Omega-hydroxylase-related fusion polypeptides with improved properties

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to omega-hydroxylase-related fusion polypeptides that result in improved omega-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative production when expressed in recombinant host cells. The disclosure further relates to microorganisms for expressing the omega-hydroxylase-related fusion polypeptides for the production of omega-hydroxylated fatty acid derivatives.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2015/036078, filed Jun. 16, 2015 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/012,970 filed Jun. 16, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Dec. 2, 2021, is named Sequence Listing 2.txt and is 473 kilobytes (KB) in size.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to omega-hydroxylase-related fusion polypeptides that result in improved omega-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative production when expressed in recombinant host cells. The disclosure further relates to microorganisms for expressing the omega-hydroxylase-related fusion polypeptides for the production of omega-hydroxylated fatty acid derivatives.

BACKGROUND

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are a diverse group of enzymes. They are categorized into families and subfamilies. When they share a greater or equal than forty percent amino acid identity they belong to the same family. When they share a greater or equal than fifty five percent amino acid identity they belong to the same subfamily. P450s use fatty acids as substrates and catalyze hydroxylation reactions. Bacteria have several P450 systems involved in alkane degradation and fatty acid modification and more than 1000 microbial P450s are known to date. One particular P450 subfamily is known as cyp153A, wherein the first was cloned from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus in 2001. Since then, similar enzymes have been identified in other alkane-utilizing species such as Sphingomonas sp. HXN200, Mycobacterium sp. HXN1500, and Alcanivorax borkumensis (Van Bogaert et al. (2011) FEBS Journal 278:206-221). Several P450s from the bacterial CYP153A subfamily are alkane omega-hydroxylases (ω-hydroxylases, also referred to as ω-oxygenases) with high terminal regioselectivity. CYP153As have also been associated with the synthesis of industrially relevant omega-hydroxylated (ω-hydroxylated) aliphatic compounds, such as primary alcohols, ω-hydroxylated fatty acids and bi-functional fatty acid derivatives such as α,ω-dicarboxylic acids and α,ω-diols (Honda Malca et al. (2012) Chem. Commun. 48:5115-5117).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides omega-hydroxylase-related fusion polypeptides and variants thereof that can produce omega-hydroxylated- and bi-functional fatty acid derivatives in host cells. More specifically, the present disclosure provides CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants that produce omega-hydroxylated-(ω-hydroxylated) and bi-functional fatty acid derivatives and compositions thereof including ω-hydroxylated fatty acids, ω-hydroxylated fatty esters, α,ω-diacids, α,ω-diesters, α,ω-diols and chemicals derived therefrom such as macrolactones. Also provided are specific CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion nucleic acid and protein sequences as well as recombinant host cells and cell cultures that encompass such engineered CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants. The disclosure also provides methods of using the recombinant CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant-expressing host cells in order to make ω-hydroxylated and/or bi-functional fatty acid derivatives or compositions thereof.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide that catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-hydroxylated (ω-OH) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide has at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. Further included are methods for expressing the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide and variants thereof. In one aspect, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide has at least 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6 and expression of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide in a recombinant host cell results in a higher titer of ω-OH fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives or compositions thereof as compared to the titer produced by expression of a wild type CYP153A. In one aspect, the recombinant host cell produces an ω-OH fatty acid or ω-OH fatty acid derivative or composition thereof with a titer that is at least about 10% greater than the titer of an ω-OH fatty acid or ω-OH fatty acid derivative or composition thereof produced by a host cell expressing a corresponding wild type CYP153A, when cultured in medium containing a carbon source under conditions effective to express the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide. In another aspect, the ω-OH fatty acid or ω-OH fatty acid derivative or composition thereof is produced extracellularly.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant having at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6 and having at least one mutation at an amino acid position including position 796, 141, 231, 27, 82, 178, 309, 407, 415, 516 and/or 666, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a mutation at any one or more of the following positions, including position A796V where alanine (A) is substituted with (i.e., replaced with) valine (V); position V141I where valine is substituted with isoleucine (I); position V141Q where valine (V) is substituted with glutamine (Q); position V141G where valine (V) is substituted with glycine (G); position V141M where valine (V) is substituted with methionine (M); position V141L where valine (V) is substituted with leucine (L); position V141T where valine (V) substituted with threonine (T); position A231T where alanine (A) is substituted with threonine (T); position R27L where arginine (R) is substituted with lysine (L); position R82D where arginine (R) is substituted with aspartic acid (D); position R178N where arginine (R) is substituted with asparagine (N); position N309R where asparagine (N) is substituted with arginine (R); position N407A where asparagine (N) is substituted with alanine (A); position V415R where valine (V) is substituted with arginine (R); position T516V where threonine (T) is substituted with valine (V); position P666A where proline (P) is substituted with alanine (A); and position P666D where proline (P) is substituted with aspartic acid (D). Examples of CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants include SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44 and SEQ ID NO: 46. In one embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is a hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF-type fusion protein variant. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in a recombinant host cell results in a higher titer of an the ω-OH fatty acid or ω-OH fatty acid derivative or composition thereof as compared to the titer of an the ω-OH fatty acid or ω-OH fatty acid derivative or composition thereof produced by expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide in a corresponding host cell. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a mutation at amino acid position 796, including A796V. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a mutation at amino acid position 231, including A231T. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a mutation at amino acid position 141, including V141I and/or V141T. Herein, the expression of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with mutations A796V, V141I, V141T and/or A231T in a recombinant host cell result in a higher titer of an ω-OH C₁₂ or C₁₆ fatty acid, respectively, as compared to a titer of an ω-OH C₁₂ or C₁₆ fatty acid produced by expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide.

The disclosure further contemplates a cell culture with a recombinant host cell expressing a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant as described above (supra). The ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof may include one or more of a C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉ and a C₂₀ ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. The ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof may include a saturated or unsaturated ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. In another embodiment, the ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof may include one or more of a C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and a C_(20:1) unsaturated ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. In another embodiment, the ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof may include an ω-OH C₁₂ and/or C₁₆ and/or C_(16:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of producing an ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof having an increase in titer, including culturing the host cell expressing the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant (supra) with a carbon source; and harvesting an ω-OH fatty acid or an ω-OH fatty acid derivative. In one aspect, the ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative is at least about 20% to 30% greater than the titer of an ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative produced by a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide-expressing host cell. In another aspect, the ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof is produced at a titer of about 15 g/L to about 25 g/L from a carbon source.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 32 having a mutation at V141I and A231T, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 34 having a mutation at R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N and N407A, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 36 having a mutation at P666A, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 38 having a mutation at A796V, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 40 having a mutation at A796V, P666D and T516V, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 42 having a mutation at V141I, A231T and A796V, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 44 having a mutation at R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N, N407A and A796V, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 46 having a mutation at V141T, A231T and A796V, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18.1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof.

The disclosure further contemplates a recombinant host cell expressing the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant as discussed above (supra). In one embodiment, the recombinant host cell expresses a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant as discussed above (supra) and a thioesterase polypeptide of EC 3.1.2.- or EC 3.1.1.5 or EC 3.1.2.14, wherein the recombinant host cell produces an ω-OH fatty acid or a composition thereof with a titer that is at least 10% greater, at least 15% greater, at least 20% greater, at least 25% greater, or at least 30% greater than the titer of an ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof produced by a host cell expressing a corresponding CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide, when cultured in medium containing a carbon source under conditions effective to express the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant. In one embodiment, the ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof can be produced at a titer of about 15 g/L to about 25 g/L. In another embodiment, the ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof is produced extracellularly.

In one aspect, the disclosure encompasses a recombinant microorganism for producing an ω-OH fatty acid or fatty acid derivative in vivo when grown in a fermentation broth in a presence of a carbon source from a renewable feedstock, the microorganism having a pathway engineered to express at least two nucleic acid sequences encoding a polypeptide including a thioesterase of EC 3.1.2.- or EC 3.1.1.5 or 3.1.2.14; and a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has at least 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22 SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44 and SEQ ID NO: 46. In one embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is a self-sufficient CYP153A-RedRhF hybrid fusion protein variant.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a cell culture including the recombinant host cell as discussed above (supra), wherein the cell culture produces an ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an ω-OH fatty acid including one or more of a C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(16:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₆ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(12:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₂ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(14:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₄ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(18:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(8:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(20:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₂₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In yet another embodiment, additional saturated or unsaturated ω-OH fatty acids or compositions thereof are produced by the recombinant host cell.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of producing an ω-OH fatty acid having an increase in titer, including culturing the host cell (supra) with a carbon source; and harvesting an ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof. The method contemplates harvesting an ω-OH fatty acid that is a C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(16:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₆ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(12:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₂ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(14:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₄ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(18:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is saturated ω-OH C₁₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(8:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(20.1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₂₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In yet another embodiment, additional saturated or unsaturated ω-OH fatty acids or compositions thereof are produced by the method described herein.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant having at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 38 and having at least one mutation at an amino acid position including position 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 27, 28, 56, 61, 111, 119, 140, 149, 154, 157, 162, 164, 204, 231, 233, 244, 254, 271, 273, 302, 309, 327, 407, 413, 477, 480, 481, 527, 544, 546, 557, 567, 591, 648, 649, 703, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 719, 720, 736, 741, 745, 747, 749, 757, 770, 771, 784, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a mutation at any one or more of the following positions, including position D9N where aspartate (D) is substituted with (i.e., replaced with) asparagine (N); position D9K where aspartate (D) is substituted with lysine (K); position D10Y where aspartic acid (D) is substituted with tyrosine (Y); position I11L where isoleucine (I) is substituted with leucine (L); position Q12W where glutamine (Q) is substituted with tryptophan (W); position Q12R where glutamine (Q) is substituted with arginine (R); position Q12T where glutamine (Q) is substituted with threonine (T); position S13K where serine (S) is substituted with lysine (K); position R14F where arginine (R) is substituted with phenylalanine (F); position R27L where arginine (R) substituted with leucine (L); position Q28M where glutamine (Q) is substituted with methionine (M); position Q28T where glutamine (Q) is substituted with threonine (T); position P56Q where proline (P) is substituted with glutamine (Q); position N61L where asparagine (N) is substituted with leucine (L); position F111A where phenylalanine (F) is substituted with alanine (A); position K119R where lysine (K) is substituted with arginine (R); position S140N where serine (S) is substituted with asparagine (N); position P149G where proline (P) is substituted with glycine (G); position P149R where proline (P) is substituted with arginine (R); position V154G where valine (V) is substituted with glycine (G); position S157R where serine (S) is substituted with arginine (R); position V162C where valine (V) is substituted with cysteine (C); position A164N where alanine (A) is substituted with asparagine (N); position G204V where glycine (G) is substituted with valine (V); position A231W where alanine (A) is substituted with tryptophan (W); position A231Y where alanine (A) is substituted with tyrosine (Y); position A231V where alanine (A) is substituted with valine (V); position S233L where serine (S) is substituted with leucine (L); position S233V where serine (S) is substituted with valine (V); position A244R where alanine (A) is substituted with arginine (R); position R254G where arginine (R) is substituted with glycine (G); position E271D where glutamate (E) is substituted with aspartate (D); position P273M where proline (P) is substituted with methionine (M); position T302M where threonine (T) is substituted with methionine (M); position N309S where asparagine (N) is substituted with serine (S); position P327D where proline (P) is substituted with aspartate (D); position N407G where asparagine (N) is substituted with glycine (G); position Y413R where tyrosine (Y) is substituted with arginine (R); position P477G where proline (P) is substituted with glycine (G); position I480G where isoleucine (I) is substituted with glycine (G); position G481I where glycine (G) is substituted with isoleucine (I); position D527E where aspartate (D) is substituted with glutamate (E); position D544N where aspartate (D) is substituted with asparagine (N); position P546G where proline (P) is substituted with glycine (G); position E557R where glutamate (E) is substituted with arginine (R); position E557W where glutamate (E) is substituted with tryptophan (W); position E567S where glutamate (E) is substituted with serine (S); position E591Q where glutamate (E) is substituted with glutamine (Q); position V648L where valine (V) is substituted with leucine (L); position S649I where serine (S) is substituted with isoleucine (I); position L703G where leucine (L) is substituted with glycine (G); position L706E where leucine (L) is substituted with glutamate (E); position L706S where leucine (L) is substituted with serine (S); position L706H where leucine (L) is substituted with histidine (H); position D707E where aspartate (D) is substituted with glutamate (E); position P708S where proline (P) is substituted with serine (S); position D709L where aspartate (D) is substituted with leucine (L); position V710C where valine (V) is substituted with cysteine (C); position V710R where valine (V) is substituted with arginine (R); position V710Q where valine (V) is substituted with glutamine (Q); position R719W where arginine (R) is substituted with tryptophan (W); position D720V where aspartate (D) is substituted with valine (V); position A736V where alanine (A) is substituted with valine (V); position N741G where asparagine (N) is substituted with glycine (G); position P745K where proline (P) is substituted with lysine (K); position P745R where proline (P) is substituted with arginine (R); position D747N where aspartate (D) is substituted with asparagine (N); position E749L where glutamate (E) is substituted with leucine (L); position E749M where glutamate (E) is substituted with methionine (M); position E757A where glutamate (E) is substituted with alanine (A); position T770G where threonine (T) is substituted with glycine (G); position V771F where valine (V) is substituted with phenylalanine (F); and position M784I where methionine (M) is substituted with isoleucine (I). In one embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is a hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF-type fusion protein variant. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in a recombinant host cell results in a higher titer of an ω-OH fatty acid as compared to the titer of an ω-OH fatty acid produced by expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide in a corresponding host cell. In another embodiment, the ω-OH fatty acid is an ω-OH fatty acid composition.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant having at least about 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 38 and having at least one mutation at an amino acid position including position 747, 12, 327, 14, 61, 28, 13, 771, 119, 10, 11, 28, 745, 9, 770, 413, 784, 749, 233, 757, and 703, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a mutation at any one or more of the following positions, including position D747N where aspartate (D) is substituted with asparagine (N); position Q12W where glutamine (Q) is substituted with tryptophan (W); position Q12R where glutamine (Q) is substituted with arginine (R); position Q12T where glutamine (Q) is substituted with threonine (T); position P327D where proline (P) is substituted with aspartate (D); position R14F where arginine (R) is substituted with phenylalanine (F); position N61L where asparagine (N) is substituted with leucine (L); position Q28M where glutamine (Q) is substituted with methionine (M); position S13K where serine (S) is substituted with lysine (K); position V771F where valine (V) is substituted with phenylalanine (F); position K119R where lysine (K) is substituted with arginine (R); position D10Y where aspartic acid (D) is substituted with tyrosine (Y); position I11L where isoleucine (I) is substituted with leucine (L); position Q28T where glutamine (Q) is substituted with threonine (T); position P745R where proline (P) is substituted with arginine (R); position D9N where aspartate (D) is substituted with asparagine (N); position D9K where aspartate (D) is substituted with lysine (K); position T770G where threonine (T) is substituted with glycine (G); position Y413R where tyrosine (Y) is substituted with arginine (R); position M784I where methionine (M) is substituted with isoleucine (I); position E749L where glutamate (E) is substituted with leucine (L); position S233L where serine (S) is substituted with leucine (L); position E757A where glutamate (E) is substituted with alanine (A); and position L703G where leucine (L) is substituted with glycine (G). In one embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is a hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF-type fusion protein variant. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in a recombinant host cell results in a higher titer of an ω-OH fatty acid as compared to the titer of an ω-OH fatty acid produced by expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide in a corresponding host cell. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants (and corresponding polynucleotide sequences) include SEQ ID NOS: 47-96. In another embodiment, the ω-OH fatty acid is an ω-OH fatty acid composition.

In one aspect, the disclosure encompasses a recombinant microorganism or recombinant host cell for producing an ω-OH fatty acid or ω-OH fatty acid derivative in vivo when grown in a fermentation broth in a presence of a carbon source from a renewable feedstock, the microorganism having a pathway engineered to express at least two nucleic acid sequences encoding a polypeptide including a thioesterase of EC 3.1.2.- or EC 3.1.1.5 or 3.1.2.14; and a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has at least 90%, 91%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56 SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60 SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 94, and SEQ ID NO: 96. In one embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is a self-sufficient CYP153A-RedRhF hybrid fusion protein variant.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a cell culture including the recombinant host cell as discussed above (supra), wherein the cell culture produces an ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an ω-OH fatty acid including one or more of a C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(16:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₆ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(12:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₂ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(14:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₄ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(18:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₁₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(8:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the cell culture produces an unsaturated ω-OH C_(20:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the cell culture produces a saturated ω-OH C₂₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In yet another embodiment, additional saturated or unsaturated ω-OH fatty acids or compositions thereof are produced by the recombinant host cell.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of producing an ω-OH fatty acid having an increase in titer, including culturing the host cell (supra) with a carbon source; and harvesting an ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof. In particular, the method encompasses producing a C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(16:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₆ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(12:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₂ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(14:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₄ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(18:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is saturated ω-OH C₁₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₁₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(8:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₈ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₂₀ fatty acid or composition thereof. In one embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is an unsaturated ω-OH C_(22:1) fatty acid or composition thereof. In another embodiment, the harvested ω-OH fatty acid is a saturated ω-OH C₂₂ fatty acid or composition thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which serve to illustrate some preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of an exemplary biosynthetic pathway for the production of ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivatives such as, for example, ω-hydroxylated C₁₂ fatty acids (ω-OH C₁₂ FFA) and/or ω-hydroxylated C_(16.1) fatty acids (ω-OH C_(16.1) FFA) as a result of expressing the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant and a thioesterase polypeptide in a recombinant microorganism. FAB refers to fatty acid biosynthesis in the microorganism; fatB1 refers to a medium-chain acyl-ACP thioesterase from Umbellularia californica (California bay); and fatA3 refers to a long-chain acyl-ACP thioesterase from Arabidopsis thaliana.

FIG. 2 provides an example of the production of ω-hydroxylated fatty acids as a result of expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant. In order to illustrate the production of ω-hydroxylated (ω-OH) fatty acids through variants a site saturation mutagenesis was employed. The depicted graph shows the best hits from a site saturation mutagenesis of the amino acid position 141 and 309 of cyp153A(G307A, A796V)-Red450RhF. The figure refers to total fatty acid species (total FAS) (see dark-gray bar); to ω-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid (ω-OH C16:1) (see light-gray bar); and percent ω-hydroxy fatty acids (% ω-OH FFA) (see arrow).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

General Overview

One way of eliminating our dependency on petrochemicals is to produce fatty acid derivatives such as ω-OH fatty acid derivatives through environmentally friendly microorganisms that serve as miniature production hosts. Such cellular hosts (i.e., recombinant host cells or microorganisms) are engineered to produce ω-OH fatty acid derivatives and bi-functional fatty acid derivatives from renewable sources such as renewable feedstock (e.g., fermentable carbohydrates, biomass, cellulose, glycerol, CO, CO₂, etc.). These ω-OH fatty acid derivatives are the raw materials for industrial products including specialty chemical, polymers and fragrances.

The present disclosure relates to ω-hydroxylase-related fusion polypeptides including CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptides and variants thereof that result in a high titer, yield and/or productivity of ω-OH fatty acid derivative compositions when expressed in recombinant host cells. Herein, enhanced ω-OH fatty acid derivative biosynthesis is accomplished by transforming host cells such that they express a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide or variant thereof, which catalyzes the reaction of a fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid such as, for example, an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid or fatty acid derivative. The disclosure encompasses the recombinant host cells or production strains that express the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptides and variants thereof. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to the P450 subfamily cyp153A.

Definitions

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a host cell” includes two or more such host cells, reference to “a fatty ester” includes one or more fatty esters, or mixtures of esters, reference to “a nucleic acid sequence” includes one or more nucleic acid sequences, reference to “an enzyme” includes one or more enzymes, and the like.

The term “enzyme classification (EC) number” refers to a number that denotes a specific enzymatic activity. EC numbers classify enzymes according to the reaction they catalyze under a system of enzyme nomenclature. EC numbers specify enzyme-catalyzed reactions. For example, if different enzymes from different organisms catalyze the same reaction, then they have the same EC number. In addition, different protein folds can catalyze an identical reaction and therefore would be assigned an identical EC number (e.g., non-homologous isofunctional enzymes, or NISE). EC numbers are established by the nomenclature committee of the international union of biochemistry and molecular biology (IUBMB), a description of which is available on the IUBMB enzyme nomenclature website on the world wide web. For example, the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) enzymatic activity, including the ω-hydroxylase or ω-oxygenase enzymatic activity is classified under EC 1.14.15.3. The functionality of enzymes that fall under the P450 enzyme family is conserved in most prokaryotes from one species to the next. Thus, different microbial species can carry out the same enzymatic activity that is classified under EC 1.14.15.3. An example of an enzymatic activity that is characterized by EC 1.14.15.3 is the enzymatic activity of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide or variant thereof as discussed herein (supra).

The terms “omega-hydroxylated fatty acid” or “ω-hydroxylated fatty acid” or “ω-hydroxy fatty acid” or “ω-hydroxyl fatty acid” or “ω-OH fatty acid” or “ωOH fatty acid” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a fatty acid that originates from fatty acid metabolism and has at least one OH group at the omega (ω) position. Examples of such ω-hydroxylated fatty acids are C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids. In one embodiment, such ω-hydroxylated fatty acids are ω-OH C_(8:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(10:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(12:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(14:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(16:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(18:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(20:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(8:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(12:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(14:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(16:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(18:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(20:1) fatty acids, and the like. In a microorganism, the ω-hydroxylated fatty acid can be used to produce ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivatives such as ω-hydroxylated fatty esters as well as bi-functional fatty acid derivatives including α,ω-diacids, α,ω-diesters, and α,ω-diols. In that sense, the terms “omega-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative” and “ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative” and “ω-hydroxy fatty acid derivative” and “ω-hydroxyl fatty acid derivative” and “α,ω-bifunctional fatty acid derivative” and “ω-OH fatty acid derivative” refer to a chemical entity that originated from fatty acid metabolism and that has at least one OH group at the omega position or is derived from an intermediate that has at least one OH group at the omega position. Herein, the “omega (ω) position” refers to the terminal carbon atom of a fatty acid derivative at the opposite end in regard to its primary functional group. Such ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivatives include, but are not limited to, α,ω-diacids; α,ω-diesters; α,ω-diols and chemicals derived thereof (e.g., macrolactones).

An “ω-hydroxylated fatty acid composition” or “ω-OH fatty acid composition” as referred to herein is produced by a recombinant host cell and typically includes a mixture of certain types of ω-hydroxylated fatty acids with various chain lengths and/or saturation and/or branching characteristics. Similarly, an “ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative composition” is produced by a recombinant host cell and typically comprises a mixture of certain types of ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivatives with various chain lengths and/or saturation and/or branching characteristics (e.g., ω-hydroxylated fatty acids with various chain lengths and/or saturation and/or branching characteristics; ω-hydroxylated fatty esters with various chain lengths and/or saturation and/or branching characteristics; α,ω-diacids of various chain length and/or saturation and/or branching characteristics; α,ω-diesters of various chain length and/or saturation and/or branching characteristics; α,ω-diols of various chain length and/or saturation and/or branching characteristics; and the like). In some cases, the ω-OH fatty acid derivative composition includes mostly one type of ω-OH fatty acid derivative such as, for example, 1,12-dodecenediol, or 1,14-tetradecanediol, or 16-hydroxy hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, or 16-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid, or 15-hydroxy pentadecanoic acid, or 15-hydroxy pentadecenoic acid, or 18-hydroxy octacecenoic acid, or the methyl esters of any of these fatty acid derivatives, or others. In still other cases, the ω-OH fatty acid derivative composition comprises a mixture of more than one type of ω-OH fatty acid derivative in order to provide a specifically designed composition (e.g., about 20% 12-hydroxy dodecanoic acid and about 80% 1,14-14-hydroxy tetradecanoic acid in the same composition would provide such an example).

The term “accession number” or “NCBI accession number” or “GenBank accession number” refers to a number that denotes a specific nucleic acid sequence. Sequence accession numbers that are discussed in this description were obtained from databases provided by the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) maintained by the National Institutes of Health, U.S.A., and from the UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB) and Swiss-Prot databases provided by the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (also referred to as UniProtKB accession number).

As used herein, the term “nucleotide” refers to a monomeric unit of a polynucleotide that consists of a heterocyclic base, a sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. The naturally occurring bases (guanine, (G), adenine, (A), cytosine, (C), thymine, (T), and uracil (U)) are typically derivatives of purine or pyrimidine, though it should be understood that naturally and non-naturally occurring base analogs are also included. The naturally occurring sugar is the pentose (five-carbon sugar) deoxyribose (which forms DNA) or ribose (which forms RNA), though it should be understood that naturally and non-naturally occurring sugar analogs are also included. Nucleic acids are typically linked via phosphate bonds to form nucleic acids or polynucleotides, though many other linkages are known in the art (e.g., phosphorothioates, boranophosphates, and the like).

The term “polynucleotide” refers to a polymer of ribonucleotides (RNA) or deoxyribonucleotides (DNA), which can be single-stranded or double-stranded and which can contain non-natural or altered nucleotides. The terms “polynucleotide,” “nucleic acid sequence,” and “nucleotide sequence” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either RNA or DNA. These terms refer to the primary structure of the molecule, and thus include double- and single-stranded DNA, and double- and single-stranded RNA. The terms include, as equivalents, analogs of either RNA or DNA made from nucleotide analogs and modified polynucleotides such as, though not limited to methylated and/or capped polynucleotides. The polynucleotide can be in any form, including but not limited to, plasmid, viral, chromosomal, EST, cDNA, mRNA, and rRNA.

As used herein, the terms “polypeptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably to refer to a polymer of amino acid residues. The term “recombinant polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide that is produced by recombinant techniques, wherein generally DNA or RNA encoding the expressed protein is inserted into a suitable expression vector that is in turn used to transform a host cell to produce the polypeptide. Similarly, the terms “recombinant polynucleotide” or “recombinant nucleic acid” or “recombinant DNA” are produced by recombinant techniques that are known to those of skill in the art.

The terms “homolog,” and “homologous” refer to a polynucleotide or a polypeptide comprising a sequence that is at least about 50 percent (%) identical to the corresponding polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence. Preferably homologous polynucleotides or polypeptides have polynucleotide sequences or amino acid sequences that have at least about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or at least about 99% homology to the corresponding amino acid sequence or polynucleotide sequence. As used herein the terms sequence “homology” and sequence “identity” are used interchangeably. One of ordinary skill in the art is well aware of methods to determine homology between two or more sequences. Briefly, calculations of “homology” between two sequences can be performed as follows. The sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and a second amino acid or nucleic acid sequence for optimal alignment and non-homologous sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes). In one preferred embodiment, the length of a first sequence that is aligned for comparison purposes is at least about 30%, preferably at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 50%, even more preferably at least about 60%, and even more preferably at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, or about 100% of the length of a second sequence. The amino acid residues or nucleotides at corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions of the first and second sequences are then compared. When a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue or nucleotide as the corresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules are identical at that position. The percent homology between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences, taking into account the number of gaps and the length of each gap, that need to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The comparison of sequences and determination of percent homology between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm, such as BLAST (Altschul et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215(3):403-410). The percent homology between two amino acid sequences also can be determined using the Needleman and Wunsch algorithm that has been incorporated into the GAP program in the GCG software package, using either a Blossum 62 matrix or a PAM250 matrix, and a gap weight of 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 (Needleman and Wunsch (1970) Mol. Biol. 48:444-453). The percent homology between two nucleotide sequences also can be determined using the GAP program in the GCG software package, using a NWSgapdna. CMP matrix and a gap weight of 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. One of ordinary skill in the art can perform initial homology calculations and adjust the algorithm parameters accordingly. A preferred set of parameters (and the one that should be used if a practitioner is uncertain about which parameters should be applied to determine if a molecule is within a homology limitation of the claims) are a Blossum 62 scoring matrix with a gap penalty of 12, a gap extend penalty of 4, and a frameshift gap penalty of 5. Additional methods of sequence alignment are known in the biotechnology arts (see, e.g., Rosenberg (2005) BMC Bioinformatics 6:278; Altschul et al. (2005) FEBS J. 272(20): 5101-5109).

The term “hybridizes under low stringency, medium stringency, high stringency, or very high stringency conditions” describes conditions for hybridization and washing. Guidance for performing hybridization reactions can be found in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1989), 6.3.1-6.3.6. Aqueous and non-aqueous methods are described in that reference and either method can be used. Specific hybridization conditions referred to herein are as follows: (1) low stringency hybridization conditions—6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45° C., followed by two washes in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at least at 50° C. (the temperature of the washes can be increased to 55° C. for low stringency conditions); (2) medium stringency hybridization conditions—6×SSC at about 45° C., followed by one or more washes in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 60° C.; (3) high stringency hybridization conditions—6×SSC at about 45° C., followed by one or more washes in 0.2.×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 65° C.; and (4) very high stringency hybridization conditions—0.5M sodium phosphate, 7% SDS at 65° C., followed by one or more washes at 0.2×SSC, 1% SDS at 65° C. Very high stringency conditions (4) are the preferred conditions unless otherwise specified.

An “endogenous” polypeptide refers to a polypeptide encoded by the genome of the parental cell (or host cell). An “exogenous” polypeptide refers to a polypeptide which is not encoded by the genome of the parental cell. A variant or mutant polypeptide is an example of an exogenous polypeptide. Thus, a non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule is considered to be exogenous to a cell once introduced into the cell. A nucleic acid molecule that is naturally-occurring can also be exogenous to a particular cell. For example, an entire coding sequence isolated from cell X is an exogenous nucleic acid with respect to cell Y once that coding sequence is introduced into cell Y, even if X and Y are the same cell type.

The term “overexpressed” means that a gene is caused to be transcribed at an elevated rate compared to the endogenous transcription rate for that gene. In some examples, overexpression additionally includes an elevated rate of translation of the gene compared to the endogenous translation rate for that gene. Methods of testing for overexpression are well known in the art, for example transcribed RNA levels can be assessed using rtPCR and protein levels can be assessed using SDS page gel analysis.

The term “heterologous” means derived from a different organism, different cell type, or different species. As used herein it refers to a nucleotide-, polynucleotide-, polypeptide- or protein sequence, not naturally present in a given organism. For example, a polynucleotide sequence that is native to cyanobacteria can be introduced into a host cell of E. coli by recombinant methods, and the polynucleotide from cyanobacteria is then heterologous to the E. coli cell (e.g., recombinant cell). The term “heterologous” may also be used with reference to a nucleotide-, polynucleotide-, polypeptide-, or protein sequence which is present in a recombinant host cell in a non-native state. For example, a “heterologous” nucleotide, polynucleotide, polypeptide or protein sequence may be modified relative to the wild type sequence naturally present in the corresponding wild type host cell, e.g., a modification in the level of expression or in the sequence of a nucleotide, polynucleotide, polypeptide or protein.

As used herein, the term “fragment” of a polypeptide refers to a shorter portion of a full-length polypeptide or protein ranging in size from two amino acid residues to the entire amino acid sequence minus one amino acid residue. In certain embodiments of the disclosure, a fragment refers to the entire amino acid sequence of a domain of a polypeptide or protein (e.g., a substrate binding domain or a catalytic domain).

The term “mutagenesis” refers to a process by which the genetic information of an organism is changed in a stable manner. Mutagenesis of a protein coding nucleic acid sequence produces a mutant protein. Mutagenesis also refers to changes in non-coding nucleic acid sequences that result in modified protein activity.

A “mutation”, as used herein, refers to a permanent change in a nucleic acid position of a gene or in an amino acid position of a polypeptide or protein. Mutations include substitutions, additions, insertions, and deletions. For example, a mutation in an amino acid position can be a substitution of one type of amino acid with another type of amino acid (e.g., a serine (S) may be substituted with an alanine (A); a lysine (L) may be substituted with a threonine (T); etc.). As such, a polypeptide or a protein can have one or more mutations wherein one amino acid is substituted with another amino acid.

As used herein, the term “gene” refers to nucleic acid sequences encoding either an RNA product or a protein product, as well as operably-linked nucleic acid sequences affecting the expression of the RNA or protein (e.g., such sequences include but are not limited to promoter or enhancer sequences) or operably-linked nucleic acid sequences encoding sequences that affect the expression of the RNA or protein (e.g., such sequences include but are not limited to ribosome binding sites or translational control sequences).

Expression control sequences are known in the art and include, for example, promoters, enhancers, polyadenylation signals, transcription terminators, internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), and the like, that provide for the expression of the polynucleotide sequence in a host cell. Expression control sequences interact specifically with cellular proteins involved in transcription (Maniatis et al. (1987) Science 236:1237-1245). Exemplary expression control sequences are described in, for example, Goeddel, Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). In the methods of the disclosure, an expression control sequence is operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence. By “operably linked” is meant that a polynucleotide sequence and an expression control sequence are connected in such a way as to permit gene expression when the appropriate molecules (e.g., transcriptional activator proteins) are bound to the expression control sequence. Operably linked promoters are located upstream of the selected polynucleotide sequence in terms of the direction of transcription and translation. Operably linked enhancers can be located upstream, within, or downstream of the selected polynucleotide.

As used herein, the term “vector” refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid, i.e., a polynucleotide sequence, to which it has been linked. One type of useful vector is an episome (i.e., a nucleic acid capable of extra-chromosomal replication). Useful vectors are those capable of autonomous replication and/or expression of nucleic acids to which they are linked. Vectors capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively linked are referred to herein as “expression vectors.” In general, expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of “plasmids,” which refer generally to circular double stranded DNA loops that, in their vector form, are not bound to the chromosome. Other useful expression vectors are provided in linear form. Also included are such other forms of expression vectors that serve equivalent functions and that have become known in the art subsequently hereto. In some embodiments, a recombinant vector further includes a promoter operably linked to the polynucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, the promoter is a developmentally-regulated promoter, an organelle-specific promoter, a tissue-specific promoter, an inducible promoter, a constitutive promoter, or a cell-specific promoter. The recombinant vector typically comprises at least one sequence selected from an expression control sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a selection marker operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a marker sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a purification moiety operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a secretion sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; and a targeting sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence. In certain embodiments, the nucleotide sequence is stably incorporated into the genomic DNA of the host cell, and the expression of the nucleotide sequence is under the control of a regulated promoter region. The expression vectors as used herein include a particular polynucleotide sequence as described herein in a form suitable for expression of the polynucleotide sequence in a host cell. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of polypeptide desired, etc. The expression vectors described herein can be introduced into host cells to produce polypeptides, including fusion polypeptides, encoded by the polynucleotide sequences as described herein. Expression of genes encoding polypeptides in prokaryotes, for example, E. coli, is most often carried out with vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters directing the expression of either fusion or non-fusion polypeptides. Fusion vectors add a number of amino acids to a polypeptide encoded therein, usually to the amino- or carboxy-terminus of the recombinant polypeptide. Such fusion vectors typically serve one or more of the following three purposes, including to increase expression of the recombinant polypeptide; to increase the solubility of the recombinant polypeptide; and to aid in the purification of the recombinant polypeptide by acting as a ligand in affinity purification. Often, in fusion expression vectors, a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the fusion moiety and the recombinant polypeptide. This enables separation of the recombinant polypeptide from the fusion moiety after purification of the fusion polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide sequence of the disclosure is operably linked to a promoter derived from bacteriophage T5.

In certain embodiments, the host cell is a yeast cell, and the expression vector is a yeast expression vector. Examples of vectors for expression in yeast S. cerevisiae include pYepSec1 (Baldari et al. (1987) EMBO J. 6:229-234); pMFa (Kurjan et al. (1982) Cell 30:933-943); pJRY88 (Schultz et al. (1987) Gene 54: 113-123); pYES2 (Invitrogen Corp., San Diego, Calif.), and picZ (Invitrogen Corp., San Diego, Calif.). In other embodiments, the host cell is an insect cell, and the expression vector is a baculovirus expression vector. Baculovirus vectors available for expression of proteins in cultured insect cells (e.g., Sf9 cells) include, for example, the pAc series (Smith et al. (1983) Mol. Cell Biol. 3:2156-2165) and the pVL series (Lucklow et al. (1989) Virology 170:31-39). In yet another embodiment, the polynucleotide sequences described herein can be expressed in mammalian cells using a mammalian expression vector. Other suitable expression systems for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are well known in the art; see, e.g., Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual,” second edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, (1989).

As used herein, the term “CoA” or “acyl-CoA” refers to an acyl thioester formed between the carbonyl carbon of alkyl chain and the sulfhydryl group of the 4′-phosphopantethionyl moiety of coenzyme A (CoA), which has the formula R—C(O)S-CoA, where R is any alkyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms.

The term “ACP” means acyl carrier protein. ACP is a highly conserved carrier of acyl intermediates during fatty acid biosynthesis, wherein the growing chain is bound during synthesis as a thiol ester at the distal thiol of a 4′-phosphopantetheine moiety. The protein exists in two forms, i.e., apo-ACP (inactive in fatty acid biosynthesis) and ACP or holo-ACP (active in fatty acid biosynthesis). The terms “ACP” and “holo-ACP” are used interchangeably herein and refer to the active form of the protein. An enzyme called a phosphopantetheinyltransferase is involved in the conversion of the inactive apo-ACP to the active holo-ACP. More specifically, ACP is expressed in the inactive apo-ACP form and a 4′-phosphopantetheine moiety must be post-translationally attached to a conserved serine residue on the ACP by the action of holo-acyl carrier protein synthase (ACPS), a phosphopantetheinyltransferase, in order to produce holo-ACP.

As used herein, the term “acyl-ACP” refers to an acyl thioester formed between the carbonyl carbon of an alkyl chain and the sulfhydryl group of the phosphopantetheinyl moiety of an acyl carrier protein (ACP). In some embodiments an ACP is an intermediate in the synthesis of fully saturated acyl-ACPs. In other embodiments an ACP is an intermediate in the synthesis of unsaturated acyl-ACPs. In some embodiments, the carbon chain will have about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26 carbons.

As used herein, the term “fatty acid derivative” means a “fatty acid” or a “fatty acid derivative”, which may be referred to as a “fatty acid or derivative thereof”. The term “fatty acid” means a carboxylic acid having the formula RCOOH. R represents an aliphatic group, preferably an alkyl group. R can include between about 4 and about 22 carbon atoms. Fatty acids can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. A “fatty acid derivative” is a product made in part from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway of the production host organism (e.g., recombinant host cell or microorganism). “Fatty acid derivatives” includes products made in part from ACP, acyl-ACP or acyl-ACP derivatives. Exemplary fatty acid derivatives include, for example, acyl-CoA, fatty acids, fatty aldehydes, short and long chain alcohols, fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters (e.g., waxes, fatty acid esters, or fatty esters), terminal olefins, internal olefins, ketones as well as ω-OH fatty acids and ω-OH fatty acid derivatives thereof including α,ω-diacids, and other bifunctional compounds.

As used herein, the term “fatty acid biosynthetic pathway” means a biosynthetic pathway that produces fatty acids and derivatives thereof. The fatty acid biosynthetic pathway may include additional enzymes to produce fatty acids derivatives having desired characteristics.

The R group of a fatty acid can be a straight chain or a branched chain. Branched chains may have more than one point of branching and may include cyclic branches. In some embodiments, the branched fatty acid is a C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁, C₂₂, C₂₃, C₂₄, C₂₅, or a C₂₆ branched fatty acid. In other embodiments, the branched fatty acid is a C₆, C₈, C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, or C₂₀ branched fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the hydroxyl (OH) group of the branched fatty acid is in the omega (ω) position. In certain embodiments, the branched fatty acid is an iso-fatty acid or an anteiso-fatty acid. In exemplary embodiments, the branched fatty acid is selected from iso-C_(7:0)-, iso-C_(9:0)-, iso-C_(10:0)-, iso-C_(11:0)-, iso-C_(13:0)-, iso-C_(14:0)-, iso-C_(15:0)-, iso-C_(16:0)-, iso-C_(18:0)-, iso-C_(19:0)-, iso-C_(20:0), anteiso-C_(7:0)-, anteiso-C_(9:0)-, anteiso-C_(13:0)-, anteiso-C_(15:0)-, anteiso-C_(17:0)-, and anteiso-C_(19:0) branched fatty acid.

The R group of a fatty acid can be saturated or unsaturated. If unsaturated, the R group can have one or more than one point of unsaturation. In some embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid is a C_(8:1)-, C_(9:1)-, C_(10:1)-, C_(11:1)-, C_(12:1)-, C_(13:1)-, C_(14:1)-, C_(15:1)-, C_(16:1)-, C_(17:1)-, C_(18:1)-, C_(19:1)-, C_(20:1)-, C_(21:1)-, C_(22:1)-, C_(23:1)-, C_(24:1)-, C_(25:1)-, or a C_(26:1) unsaturated fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid is C_(8:1), C_(10:1), C_(12:1), C_(14:1), C_(16:1), C_(18:1), or C_(20:1). In yet other embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid is unsaturated at the omega-7 position. In certain embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid has a cis double bond.

As used herein, a “recombinant host cell” or “engineered host cell” is a host cell, e.g., a microorganism that has been modified such that it produces ω-hydroxylated fatty acids and ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivatives including bi-functional fatty acid derivatives. In some embodiments, the recombinant host cell includes one or more polynucleotides, each polynucleotide encoding a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide or variant thereof that has ω-hydroxylase biosynthetic enzyme activity, wherein the recombinant host cell produces an ω-hydroxylated fatty acid and/or ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative or composition thereof when cultured in the presence of a carbon source under conditions effective to express the polynucleotides.

As used herein, the term “clone” typically refers to a cell or group of cells descended from and essentially genetically identical to a single common ancestor, for example, the bacteria of a cloned bacterial colony arose from a single bacterial cell.

As used herein, the term “culture” typically refers to a liquid media comprising viable cells. In one embodiment, a culture comprises cells reproducing in a predetermined culture media under controlled conditions, for example, a culture of recombinant host cells grown in liquid media comprising a selected carbon source and/or nitrogen.

The terms “culturing” or “cultivation” refers to growing a population of cells (e.g., microbial cells) under suitable conditions in a liquid or solid medium. In particular embodiments, culturing refers to the fermentative bioconversion of a substrate to an end-product. Culturing media are well known and individual components of such culture media are available from commercial sources, e.g., under the DIFCO media and BBL media. In one non-limiting example, the aqueous nutrient medium is a “rich medium” comprising complex sources of nitrogen, salts, and carbon, such as YP medium, comprising 10 g/L of peptone and 10 g/L yeast extract of such a medium. In addition, the host cell can be engineered to assimilate carbon efficiently and use cellulosic materials as carbon sources according to methods described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,000,000; 5,028,539; 5,424,202; 5,482,846; 5,602,030 and WO2010127318. In addition, the host cell can be engineered to express an invertase so that sucrose can be used as a carbon source.

As used herein, the term “under conditions effective to express said heterologous nucleotide sequences” means any conditions that allow a host cell to produce a desired fatty acid derivative (e.g., ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative). Suitable conditions include, for example, fermentation conditions.

As used herein, “modified” or an “altered level of” activity of a protein, for example an enzyme, in a recombinant host cell refers to a difference in one or more characteristics in the activity determined relative to the parent or native host cell. Typically differences in activity are determined between a recombinant host cell, having modified activity, and the corresponding wild-type host cell (e.g., comparison of a culture of a recombinant host cell relative to wild-type host cell). Modified activities can be the result of, for example, modified amounts of protein expressed by a recombinant host cell (e.g., as the result of increased or decreased number of copies of DNA sequences encoding the protein, increased or decreased number of mRNA transcripts encoding the protein, and/or increased or decreased amounts of protein translation of the protein from mRNA); changes in the structure of the protein (e.g., changes to the primary structure, such as, changes to the protein's coding sequence that result in changes in substrate specificity, changes in observed kinetic parameters); and changes in protein stability (e.g., increased or decreased degradation of the protein). In some embodiments, the polypeptide is a mutant or a variant of any of the polypeptides described herein. In certain instances, the coding sequence for the polypeptides as described herein are codon optimized for expression in a particular host cell. For example, for expression in E. coli, one or more codons can be optimized (Grosjean et al. (1982) Gene 18:199-209).

The term “regulatory sequences” as used herein typically refers to a sequence of bases in DNA, operably-linked to DNA sequences encoding a protein that ultimately controls the expression of the protein. Examples of regulatory sequences include, but are not limited to, RNA promoter sequences, transcription factor binding sequences, transcription termination sequences, modulators of transcription (such as enhancer elements), nucleotide sequences that affect RNA stability, and translational regulatory sequences (such as, ribosome binding sites (e.g., Shine-Dalgarno sequences in prokaryotes or Kozak sequences in eukaryotes), initiation codons, termination codons).

As used herein, the phrase “the expression of said nucleotide sequence is modified relative to the wild type nucleotide sequence,” means an increase or decrease in the level of expression and/or activity of an endogenous nucleotide sequence or the expression and/or activity of a heterologous or non-native polypeptide-encoding nucleotide sequence.

As used herein, the phrase “the activity of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide sequence variant is modified relative to the activity of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide sequence (i.e., a polypeptide template) means an increase or decrease in the level of activity of an expressed polypeptide sequence variant in comparison to an expressed polypeptide sequence template. The polypeptide template is encoded by a nucleic acid template (i.e., a DNA template sequence). An example of a polypeptide sequence template is the hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF fusion protein sequence, wherein a cyp153A is fused with a reductase domain. Another example of a polypeptide sequence template is SEQ ID NO: 6. Another example of a polypeptide sequence template is SEQ ID NO: 38. Any polypeptide sequence can serve as a template including variants.

As used herein, the term “express” with respect to a polynucleotide is to cause it to function. A polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide (or protein) will, when expressed, be transcribed and translated to produce that polypeptide (or protein). As used herein, the term “overexpress” means to express (or cause to express) a polynucleotide or polypeptide in a cell at a greater concentration than is normally expressed in a corresponding wild-type cell under the same conditions. In another embodiment, the term “overexpress” means to express (or cause to express) a polynucleotide or polypeptide in a cell at a greater concentration than it is normally expressed in a corresponding cell that expresses the template polynucleotide or template polypeptide sequence under the same conditions. An example of a template polypeptide sequence is the CYP153A-RedRhF-hybrid fusion polypeptide.

The terms “altered level of expression” and “modified level of expression” are used interchangeably and mean that a polynucleotide, polypeptide, or fatty acid derivative is present in a different concentration in an engineered host cell as compared to its concentration in a corresponding wild-type cell under the same conditions.

As used herein, the term “titer” refers to the quantity of ω-OH fatty acids and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives produced per unit volume of host cell culture. In any aspect of the compositions and methods described herein, an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative is produced at a titer of about 25 mg/L, about 50 mg/L, about 75 mg/L, about 100 mg/L, about 125 mg/L, about 150 mg/L, about 175 mg/L, about 200 mg/L, about 225 mg/L, about 250 mg/L, about 275 mg/L, about 300 mg/L, about 325 mg/L, about 350 mg/L, about 375 mg/L, about 400 mg/L, about 425 mg/L, about 450 mg/L, about 475 mg/L, about 500 mg/L, about 525 mg/L, about 550 mg/L, about 575 mg/L, about 600 mg/L, about 625 mg/L, about 650 mg/L, about 675 mg/L, about 700 mg/L, about 725 mg/L, about 750 mg/L, about 775 mg/L, about 800 mg/L, about 825 mg/L, about 850 mg/L, about 875 mg/L, about 900 mg/L, about 925 mg/L, about 950 mg/L, about 975 mg/L, about 1000 mg/L, about 1050 mg/L, about 1075 mg/L, about 1100 mg/L, about 1125 mg/L, about 1150 mg/L, about 1175 mg/L, about 1200 mg/L, about 1225 mg/L, about 1250 mg/L, about 1275 mg/L, about 1300 mg/L, about 1325 mg/L, about 1350 mg/L, about 1375 mg/L, about 1400 mg/L, about 1425 mg/L, about 1450 mg/L, about 1475 mg/L, about 1500 mg/L, about 1525 mg/L, about 1550 mg/L, about 1575 mg/L, about 1600 mg/L, about 1625 mg/L, about 1650 mg/L, about 1675 mg/L, about 1700 mg/L, about 1725 mg/L, about 1750 mg/L, about 1775 mg/L, about 1800 mg/L, about 1825 mg/L, about 1850 mg/L, about 1875 mg/L, about 1900 mg/L, about 1925 mg/L, about 1950 mg/L, about 1975 mg/L, about 2000 mg/L (2 g/L), 3 g/L, 5 g/L, 10 g/L, 20 g/L, 30 g/L, 40 g/L, 50 g/L, 60 g/L, 70 g/L, 80 g/L, 90 g/L, 100 g/L or a range bounded by any two of the foregoing values. In other embodiments, an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative is produced at a titer of more than 100 g/L, more than 200 g/L, more than 300 g/L, or higher, such as 500 g/L, 700 g/L, 1000 g/L, 1200 g/L, 1500 g/L, or 2000 g/L. In one embodiment, the titer of an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative produced by a recombinant host cell according to the methods of the disclosure is from 5 g/L to 200 g/L, 10 g/L to 150 g/L, 20 g/L to 120 g/L, 25 g/L to 110 g/L and 30 g/L to 100 g/L.

As used herein, the term “yield of the ω-OH fatty acids and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives produced by a host cell” refers to the efficiency by which an input carbon source is converted to product (i.e., ω-OH fatty acids and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives) in a host cell. Host cells engineered to produce ω-OH fatty acids and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives according to the methods of the disclosure have a yield of at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, or at least 30% or a range bounded by any two of the foregoing values. In other embodiments, an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative is produced at a yield of more than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more. Alternatively, or in addition, the yield is about 30% or less, about 27% or less, about 25% or less, or about 22% or less. Thus, the yield can be bounded by any two of the above endpoints. For example, the yield of an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative produced by the recombinant host cell according to the methods of the disclosure can be 5% to 15%, 10% to 25%, 10% to 22%, 15% to 27%, 18% to 22%, 20% to 28%, 20% to 30%, 25% to 40%, or greater. An example of a preferred yield of an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative produced by the recombinant host cell according to the methods of the disclosure is from 10% to 30%. Another example of a preferred yield of an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative produced by the recombinant host cell according to the methods of the disclosure is from 10% to 40%. Another example of a preferred yield of an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative produced by the recombinant host cell according to the methods of the disclosure is from 10% to 50%.

As used herein, the term “productivity” refers to the quantity of ω-OH fatty acids and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives produced per unit volume of host cell culture per unit time. In any aspect of the compositions and methods described herein, the productivity of an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative produced by a recombinant host cell is at least 100 mg/L/hour, at least 200 mg/L/hour₀, at least 300 mg/L/hour, at least 400 mg/L/hour, at least 500 mg/L/hour, at least 600 mg/L/hour, at least 700 mg/L/hour, at least 800 mg/L/hour, at least 900 mg/L/hour, at least 1000 mg/L/hour, at least 1100 mg/L/hour, at least 1200 mg/L/hour, at least 1300 mg/L/hour, at least 1400 mg/L/hour, at least 1500 mg/L/hour, at least 1600 mg/L/hour, at least 1700 mg/L/hour, at least 1800 mg/L/hour, at least 1900 mg/L/hour, at least 2000 mg/L/hour, at least 2100 mg/L/hour, at least 2200 mg/L/hour, at least 2300 mg/L/hour, at least 2400 mg/L/hour, or at least 2500 mg/L/hour. In addition, the productivity may be 2500 mg/L/hour or less, 2000 mg/L/OD₆₀₀ or less, 1500 mg/L/OD₆₀₀ or less, 120 mg/L/hour, or less, 1000 mg/L/hour or less, 800 mg/L/hour, or less, or 600 mg/L/hour or less. Thus, the productivity can be bounded by any two of the above endpoints. For example, the productivity can be 3 to 30 mg/L/hour, 6 to 20 mg/L/hour, or 15 to 30 mg/L/hour. The preferred productivity of an ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivative produced by a recombinant host cell according to the methods of the disclosure is selected from 500 mg/L/hour to 2500 mg/L/hour, or from 700 mg/L/hour to 2000 mg/L/hour.

The terms “total fatty species (FAS)” and “total fatty acid product” may be used interchangeably herein with reference to the total amount of ω-OH fatty acids and fatty acids present in a sample as evaluated by GC-FID as described in International Patent Application Publication WO 2008/119082.

As used herein, the term “glucose utilization rate” means the amount of glucose used by the culture per unit time, reported as grams/liter/hour (g/L/hr).

The term “carbon source from a renewable feedstock” when used alone or in reference to a feed source includes any biological material (including renewable feedstocks and/or biomass and/or waste products) from which carbon is derived except oleochemicals (i.e., refined oils from plants and animals such as fatty acids, fatty acid esters, TAGs, hydroxy fatty acids, and the like) and petrochemicals (i.e., chemicals derived from petroleum such as alkanes, alkenes, and the like). Thus, the term “carbon source from a renewable feedstock”, as used herein, excludes carbon derived from oleochemicals and petrochemicals. In some embodiments, the carbon source includes sugars or carbohydrates (e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides). In some embodiments, the carbon source is glucose and/or sucrose. In other embodiments, the carbon source is derived from a renewable feedstock such as carbohydrates from corn, sugar cane, or lignocellulosic biomass; or waste products such as glycerol, flu-gas, syn-gas; or the reformation of organic materials such as biomass or natural gas; or is carbon dioxide that is fixed photosynthetically. In other embodiments, a biomass is processed into a carbon source, which is suitable for bioconversion. In still other embodiments, the biomass does not require further processing into a carbon source but can be used directly as carbon source. An exemplary source of such biomass is plant matter or vegetation, such as switchgrass. Another exemplary carbon source includes metabolic waste products, such as animal matter (e.g., cow manure). Further exemplary sources of carbon include algae and other marine plants. Another carbon source (including biomass) includes waste products from industry, agriculture, forestry, and households, including, but not limited to, fermentation waste, fermentation biomass, glycerol/glycerine, ensilage, straw, lumber, sewage, garbage, maniple solid waste, cellulosic urban waste, and food leftovers.

As used herein, the term “isolated,” with respect to products such as ω-OH fatty acids and derivatives thereof refers to products that are separated from cellular components, cell culture media, or chemical or synthetic precursors. The fatty acids and derivatives thereof (e.g., ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives) produced by the methods described herein can be relatively immiscible in the fermentation broth, as well as in the cytoplasm. Therefore, the fatty acids and derivatives thereof can collect in an organic phase either intracellularly or extracellularly.

As used herein, the terms “purify,” “purified,” or “purification” mean the removal or isolation of a molecule from its environment by, for example, isolation or separation. “Substantially purified” molecules are at least about 60% free (e.g., at least about 70% free, at least about 75% free, at least about 85% free, at least about 90% free, at least about 95% free, at least about 97% free, at least about 99% free) from other components with which they are associated. As used herein, these terms also refer to the removal of contaminants from a sample. For example, the removal of contaminants can result in an increase in the percentage of fatty acid derivatives such as ω-OH fatty acid and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives in a sample. For example, when a fatty acid derivative is produced in a recombinant host cell, the fatty acid derivative can be purified by the removal of host cell proteins or other host cell materials. After purification, the percentage of fatty acid derivative in the sample is increased. The terms “purify”, “purified,” and “purification” are relative terms which do not require absolute purity. Thus, for example, when a fatty acid derivative is produced in recombinant host cells, a purified fatty acid derivative is a fatty acid derivative that is substantially separated from other cellular components (e.g., nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates, or other hydrocarbons).

Omega-Hydroxylated Fatty Acid and Fatty Acid Derivative Production

The disclosure provides for the production of ω-OH fatty acids and ω-OH fatty acid derivatives in a host cell. The ω-OH fatty acid production may be enhanced as a result of the expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants produce the ω-OH fatty acid derivatives and compositions at a high titer. Herein, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is involved in a biosynthetic pathway for the production of ω-OH fatty acid derivatives; it may be used alone or in combination with other enzymes. For example, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant can be used in an engineered biosynthetic pathway wherein a thioesterase (i.e., naturally or heterologously expressed) enzyme converts an acyl-ACP to a fatty acid. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant can then convert the fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid (see FIG. 1). Additional enzymes in the pathway can convert ω-OH fatty acids into other bi-functional fatty acid derivatives such as α,ω-diacids.

More specifically, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide is a polypeptide sequence that has at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6 and serves as a template sequence to introduce mutations in order to create variants with improved enzymatic activity for the production of ω-OH fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide is self-sufficient and possesses ω-hydroxylase enzymatic activity that catalyzes the reaction of a fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid. An example of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide is a hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF-type fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, term CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant refers to a modified CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide that has at least one mutation in its amino acid sequence including, but not limited to, a mutation at amino acid position 796, 141, 231, 27, 82, 178, 309, 407, 415, 516 and 666 or a combination thereof. The expression of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in recombinant host cells results in improved titer, yield and/or productivity of ω-OH fatty acids and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives or compositions thereof when compared to the expression of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide in a corresponding host cell.

An example of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is SEQ ID NO: 38, which has a mutation in position 796, wherein an alanine is replaced with a valine. This CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a polypeptide sequence that has at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 38 and it further serves a template sequence to create additional mutations or additional variants. Similarly, this CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is self-sufficient and possesses ω-hydroxylase enzymatic activity that catalyzes the reaction of a fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid. In one embodiment, term CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant refers to a modified CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide that has at least one additional mutation in its amino acid sequence including, but not limited to, a mutation at amino acid position 747, 12, 327, 14, 61, 28, 13, 771, 119, 10, 11, 28, 745, 9, 770, 413, 784, 749, 231, 233, 757 and 703 or a combination thereof. The expression of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in recombinant host cells results in improved titer, yield and/or productivity of ω-OH fatty acids and/or ω-OH fatty acid derivatives when compared to the expression of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID No: 6) in a corresponding host cell.

When a cell has been transformed with a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant it is a cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant (e.g., a recombinant cell). In one embodiment, the titer and/or yield of an ω-OH fatty acid produced by a cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is at least twice that of a corresponding cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide. In a host such as Escherichia coli, ω-OH fatty acids may be converted to bi-functional fatty acid derivatives by naturally or heterologously expressed enzymes. In another embodiment, the titer and/or yield of an ω-OH fatty acid or derivative thereof produced by a cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is at least about 1 times, at least about 2 times, at least about 3 times, at least about 4 times, at least about 5 times, at least about 6 times, at least about 7 times, at least about 8 times, at least about 9 times, or at least about 10 times greater than that of a corresponding cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, the titer and/or yield of an ω-OH fatty acid or derivative thereof produced by a cell expressing the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is at least about 1 percent, at least about 2 percent, at least about 3 percent, at least about 4 percent, at least about 5 percent, at least about 6 percent, at least about 7 percent, at least about 8 percent, at least about 9 percent, or at least about 10 percent greater than that of a corresponding cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide. In another embodiment, the titer and/or yield of an ω-OH fatty acid or derivative thereof produced in a recombinant cell due to the expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is at least about 20 percent to at least about 80 percent greater than that of a corresponding cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the titer and/or yield of an ω-OH fatty acid produced by a cell is at least about 20 percent, at least about 25 percent, at least about 30 percent, at least about 35 percent, at least about 40 percent, at least about 45 percent, at least about 50 percent, at least about 55 percent, at least about 60 percent, at least about 65 percent, at least about 70 percent, at least about 75 percent, at least about 80 percent, at least about 85 percent, at least about 90 percent, at least about 95 percent, at least about 97 percent, at least about 98 percent, or at least about 100 percent greater than that of the corresponding cell that expresses the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide.

Thus, the disclosure provides recombinant host cells, which have been engineered to express a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant to produce ω-OH fatty acids or derivatives thereof. The biosynthesis of ω-OH fatty acids is enhanced relative to the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide-expressing host cells, i.e., host cells that express the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide based on SEQ ID NO: 6 (i.e., template polypeptide) or other polypeptides with the same enzymatic function. A variety of different host cells can be modified to express a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant such as those described herein, resulting in recombinant host cells suitable for the enhanced production of ω-OH fatty acid and ω-OH fatty acid derivatives or compositions thereof. Examples of ω-OH fatty acids that are produced are C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids. In one embodiment, such ω-OH fatty acids are ω-OH C_(8:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(10:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(12:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(14:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(16:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(18:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(20:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(8:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acids, ω-OH fatty acids, ω-OH C_(14:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(16:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(18:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(20:1) fatty acids, and the like. It is understood that a variety of cells can provide sources of genetic material, including polynucleotide sequences that encode polypeptides suitable for use in a recombinant host cell as described herein.

Pathway Engineering and Enzymatic Activities

Fatty acid synthesis is one of the most conserved systems of the bacterial biosynthetic machinery. The fatty acid synthase (FAS) multi-enzyme complex is present in all bacteria and eukaryotes. Most of the FAS related genes are indispensable for cell growth and survival. Eukaryotic and bacterial FAS drive essentially the same type of biochemical transformation. In eukaryotes, FAS is referred to as FAS I and most of its catalytic domains are encoded by one polypeptide chain (non-dissociable). In prokaryotes such as bacteria, FAS is referred to as FASII and its individual enzymes and carrier proteins are encoded by separate genes coding for discrete (dissociable) proteins. As such, FASII is a complex system with significant variations and distinct peculiarities.

The acyl carrier protein (ACP) along with the enzymes in a FAS pathway control the length, degree of saturation and branching of the fatty acids produced in a native organism. The steps in this pathway are catalyzed by enzymes of the fatty acid biosynthesis (FAB) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene families. For example, enzymes that can be included in a FAS pathway include AccABCD, FabD, FabH, FabG, FabA, FabZ, Fabl, FabK, FabL, FabM, FabB, and FabF. Depending upon the desired product one or more of these genes can be attenuated or over-expressed. As such, prokaryotes have been engineered to increase production of fatty acid derivatives from renewable feedstock such as glucose or other carbon sources. Herein the major goal is to increase the activity of key control enzymes that regulate the production of fatty acid derivatives in order to convert the bacterial strain into a microbial factory for fatty acid derivative production, including fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), and fatty alcohols (FALC) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,143, incorporated by reference herein).

The present disclosure identifies CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polynucleotides that encode polypeptides of enzymatic function in order to modify enzymatic pathways for the production of desirable compounds such as ω-OH fatty acids and ω-OH fatty acid derivatives. These polypeptides, which are identified herein by Enzyme Accession Numbers (EC Numbers), are useful for engineering fatty acid pathways that lead to production of ω-OH fatty acids and other bi-functional molecules such as ω-OH fatty acid derivatives like α,ω-diacids (see FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, pathways are depicted in FIG. 1 that use a carbon source derived from a renewable feedstock such as glucose to produce ω-OH fatty acid derivatives. A carbohydrate (e.g., glucose) is converted to an acyl-thioester such as an acyl-ACP by the native organism (see step 1 in FIG. 1). Polynucleotides that code for polypeptides with fatty acid degradation enzyme activity can be optionally attenuated depending on the desired product (see Examples, infra). Non-limiting examples of such polypeptides are acyl-CoA synthetase (FadD) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (FadE). Table 1 provides a comprehensive list of enzymatic activity (infra) within the metabolic pathway, including various fatty acid degradation enzymes that can be optionally attenuated according to methods known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,143, supra).

For example, FadR (see Table 1, infra) is a key regulatory factor involved in fatty acid degradation and fatty acid biosynthetic pathways (Cronan et al., Mol. Microbiol., 29(4): 937-943 (1998)). The E. coli enzyme FadD (see Table 1, infra) and the fatty acid transport protein FadL are components of a fatty acid uptake system. FadL mediates transport of fatty acids into the bacterial cell, and FadD mediates formation of acyl-CoA esters. When no other carbon source is available, exogenous fatty acids are taken up by bacteria and converted to acyl-CoA esters, which can bind to the transcription factor FadR and depress the expression of the fad genes that encode proteins responsible for fatty acid transport (FadL), activation (FadD), and β-oxidation (FadA, FadB, and FadE). When alternative sources of carbon are available, bacteria synthesize fatty acids as acyl-ACPs, which are used for phospholipid synthesis, but are not substrates for β-oxidation. Thus, acyl-CoA and acyl-ACP are both independent sources of fatty acids that can result in different end-products (Caviglia et al., J. Biol. Chem., 279(12): 1163-1169 (2004)).

TABLE 1 Enzymatic Activities Gene Source Designation Organism Enzyme Name Accession # EC Number Exemplary Use Fatty Acid Production Increase accA E. coli, Acetyl-CoA AAC73296, 6.4.1.2 increase Malonyl-CoA Lactococci carboxylase, subunit A NP_414727 production (carboxyltransferase alpha) accB E. coli, Acetyl-CoA NP_417721 6.4.1.2 increase Malonyl-CoA Lactococci carboxylase, subunit production B (BCCP: biotin carboxyl carrier protein) accC E. coli, Acetyl-CoA NP_417722 6.4.1.2, increase Malonyl-CoA Lactococci carboxylase, subunit 6.3.4.14 production C (biotin carboxylase) accD E. coli, Acetyl-CoA NP_416819 6.4.1.2 increase Malonyl-CoA Lactococci carboxylase, subunit D production (carboxyltransferase beta) fadD E. coli W3110 acyl-CoA synthase AP_002424 2.3.1.86, increase Fatty acid 6.2.1.3 production fabA E. coli K12 β-hydroxydecanoyl NP_415474 4.2.1.60 increase fatty acyl- thioester ACP/CoA production dehydratase/isomerase fabB E. coli 3-oxoacyl-[acyl- BAA16180 2.3.1.41 increase fatty acyl- carrier-protein] ACP/CoA production synthase I fabD E. coli K12 [acyl-carrier-protein] AAC74176 2.3.1.39 increase fatty acyl- S-malonyltransferase ACP/CoA production fabF E. coli K12 3-oxoacyl-[acyl- AAC74179 2.3.1.179 increase fatty acyl- carrier-protein] ACP/CoA production synthase II fabG E. coli K12 3-oxoacyl-[acyl- AAC74177 1.1.1.100 increase fatty acyl- carrier protein] ACP/CoA production reductase fabH E. coli K12 3-oxoacyl-[acyl- AAC74175 2.3.1.180 increase fatty acyl- carrier-protein] ACP/CoA production synthase III fabI E. coli K12 enoyl-[acyl-carrier- NP_415804 1.3.1.9 increase fatty acyl- protein] reductase ACP/CoA production fabR E. coli K12 Transcriptional NP_418398 none modulate unsaturated fatty Repressor acid production fabV Vibrio cholerae enoyl-[acyl-carrier- YP_001217283 1.3.1.9 increase fatty acyl- protein] reductase ACP/CoA production fabZ E. coli K12 (3R)-hydroxymyristo] NP_414722 4.2.1.— increase fatty acyl- acyl carrier protein ACP/CoA production dehydratase fadE E. coli K13 acyl-CoA AAC73325 1.3.99.3, reduce fatty acid dehydrogenase 1.3.99.— degradation fadD E. coli K12 acyl-CoA synthetase NP_416319 6.2.1.3 reduce fatty acid degradation fadA E. coli K12 3-ketoacyl-CoA YP_02627 2.3.1.16 reduce fatty acid thiolase degradation fadB E. coli K12 enoyl-CoA hydratase NP_418288 4.2.1.17, reduce fatty acid 3-OH acyl-CoA 5.1.2.3, degradation epimerase/ 1.1.1.35 dehydrogenase fadR E. coli transcriptional NP_415705 none Block or reverse fatty acid regulatory protein degradation Chain Length Control tesA (with or E. coli thioesterase - leader P0ADA1 3.1.2.—, 3.1.1.5 C18 Chain Length without leader sequence is amino sequence) acids 1-26 tesA (without E. coli thioesterase AAC73596, 3.1.2.—, 3.1.1.5 C18:1 Chain Length leader NP_415027 sequence) tesA (mutant of E. coli thioesterase L109P 3.1.2.—, 3.1.1.5 <C18 Chain Length E. coli thioesterase I complexed with octanoic acid) fatB1 Umbellularia thioesterase Q41635 3.1.2.14 C12:0 Chain Length californica fatB2 Cuphea thioesterase AAC49269 3.1.2.14 C8:0-C10:0 Chain Length hookeriana fatB3 Cuphea thioesterase AAC72881 3.1.2.14 C14:0-C16:0 Chain hookeriana Length fatB Cinnamomum camphora thioesterase Q39473 3.1.2.14 C14:0 Chain Length fatB Arabidopsis thioesterase CAA85388 3.1.2.14 C16:1 Chain Length thaliana fatB1 Umbellularia thioesterase Q41635 3.1.2.14 C12:0 Chain Length californica fatA1 Helianthus thioesterase AAL79361 3.1.2.14 C18:1 Chain Length annuus fatA Arabidopsis thioesterase NP_189147, 3.1.2.14 C18:1 Chain Length thaliana NP_193041 fatA Brassica juncea thioesterase CAC39106 3.1.2.14 C18:1 Chain Length fatA Cuphea thioesterase AAC72883 3.1.2.14 C18:1 Chain Length hookeriana tes Photbacterium thioesterase YP_130990 3.1.2.14 Chain Length profundum tesB E. coli thioesterase NP_414986 3.1.2.14 Chain Length fadM E. coli thioesterase NP_414977 3.1.2.14 Chain Length yciA E. coli thioesterase NP_415769 3.1.2.14 Chain Length ybgC E. coli thioesterase NP_415264 3.1.2.14 Chain Length Saturation Level Control Sfa E. coli Suppressor of fabA AAN79592, none increase monounsaturated AAC44390 fatty acids fabA E. coli K12 β-hydroxydecanoyl NP_415474 4.2.1.60 produce unsaturated fatty thioester acids dehydratase/isomerase GnsA E. coli suppressors of the ABD18647.1 none increase unsaturated fatty secG null mutation acid esters GnsB E. coli suppressors of the AAC74076.1 none increase unsaturated fatty secG null mutation acid esters fabB E. coli 3-oxoacyl-[acyl- BAA16180 2.3.1.41 modulate unsaturated fatty carrier-protein] acid production synthase I des Bacillus subtilis D5 fatty acyl O34653 1.14.19 modulate unsaturated fatty desaturase acid production Ester Production AT3G51970 Arabidopsis long-chain-alcohol O- NP_190765 2.3.1.26 ester production thaliana fatty-acyltransferase ELO1 Pichia angusta Fatty acid elongase BAD98251 2.3.1.— produce very long chain length fatty acids plsC Saccharomyces acyltransferase AAA16514 2.3.1.51 ester production cerevisiae DAGAT/DGAT Arabidopsis diacylglycerol AAF19262 2.3.1.20 ester production thaliana acyltransferase hWS Homo sapiens acyl-CoA wax AAX48018 2.3.1.20 ester production alcohol acyltransferase aft1 Acinetobacter sp. bifunctional wax AAO17391 2.3.1.20 ester production ADP1 ester synthase/acyl- CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase ES9 Marinobacter wax ester synthase ABO21021 2.3.1.20 ester production hydrocarbonoclasticus mWS Simmondsia wax ester synthase AAD38041 2.3.1.— ester production chinensis Fatty Alcohol Output thioesterases (see increase fatty acid/fatty above) alcohol production BmFAR Bombyxmori FAR (fatty alcohol BAC79425 1.1.1.— convert acyl-CoA to fatty forming acyl-CoA alcohol reductase) acr1 Acinetobacter sp. acyl-CoA reductase YP_047869 1.2.1.42 reduce fatty acyl-CoA to ADP1 fatty aldehydes yqhD E. coli W3110 alcohol AP_003562 1.1.—.— reduce fatty aldehydes to dehydrogenase fatty alcohols; increase fatty alcohol production alrA Acinetobacter sp. alcohol CAG70252 1.1.—.— reduce fatty aldehydes to ADP1 dehydrogenase fatty alcohols BmFAR Bombyxmori FAR (fatty alcohol BAC79425 1.1.1.— reduce fatty acyl-CoA to forming acyl-CoA fatty alcohol reductase) GTNG_1865 Geobacillus thermodenitrificans Long-chain aldehyde YP_001125970 1.2.1.3 reduce fatty aldehydes to NG80-2 dehydrogenase fatty alcohols AAR Synechococcus Acyl-ACP reductase YP_400611 1.2.1.42 reduce fatty acyl- elongatus ACP/CoA to fatty aldehydes carB Mycobacterium carboxylic acid YP_889972 6.2.1.3, reduce fatty acids to fatty smegmatis reductase protein 1.2.1.42 aldehyde FadD E. coli K12 acyl-CoA synthetase NP_416319 6.2.1.3 activates fatty acids to fatty acyl-CoAs atoB Erwinia carotovora acetyl-CoA YP_049388 2.3.1.9 production of butanol acetyltransferase hbd Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens Beta-hydroxybutyryl- BAD51424 1.1.1.157 production of butanol CoA dehydrogenase CPE0095 Clostridium crotonasebutyryl- BAB79801 4.2.1.55 production of butanol perfringens CoA dehydryogenase bcd Clostridium butyryl-CoA AAM14583 1.3.99.2 production of butanol beijerinckii dehydryogenase ALDH Clostridium coenzyme A- AAT66436 1.2.1.3 production of butanol beijerinckii acylating aldehyde dehydrogenase AdhE E. coli CFT073 aldehyde-alcohol AAN80172 1.1.1.1 production of butanol dehydrogenase 1.2.1.10 Fatty Alcohol Acetyl Ester Output thioesterases (see modify output above) acr1 Acinetobacter sp. acyl-CoA reductase YP_047869 1.2.1.42 modify output ADP1 yqhD E. coli K12 alcohol AP_003562 1.1.—.— modify output dehydrogenase AAT Fragaria x alcohol O- AAG13130 2.3.1.84 modify output ananassa acetyltransferase Terminal Olefin Output OleT Jeotgalicoccus sp Fatty acid HQ709266 1.11.2.4 decarboxylate fatty acids decarboxylase Product Export AtMRP5 Arabidopsis Arabidopsis thaliana NP_171908 none modify product export thaliana multidrug resistance- amount associated AmiS2 Rhodococcus sp. ABC transporter JC5491 none modify product export AmiS2 amount AtPGP1 Arabidopsis Arabidopsis thaliana NP_181228 none modify product export thaliana p glycoprotein 1 amount AcrA CandidatusProtochlamydia- putative multidrug- CAF23274 none modify product export amoebophila UWE25 efflux transport amount protein acrA AcrB CandidatusProtochlamydia- probable multidrug- CAF23275 none modify product export amoebophila UWE25 efflux transport amount protein, acrB TolC Francisella tularensis Outer membrane ABD59001 none modify product export subsp. protein [Cell amount novicida envelope biogenesis, AcrE Shigellasonnei transmembrane YP_312213 none modify product export Ss046 protein affects amount septum formation and cell membrane permeability AcrF E. coli Acriflavine resistance P24181 none modify product export protein F amount tll1619 Thermosynechococcus multidrug efflux NP_682409.1 none modify product export elongatus transporter amount [BP-1] tll0139 Thermosynechococcus multidrug efflux NP_6809301 none modify product export elongatus transporter amount [BP-1] Fermentation replication increase output efficiency checkpoint genes umuD Shigella sonnei DNA polymerase V, YP_310132 3.4.21.— increase output efficiency Ss046 subunit umuC E. coli DNA polymerase V, ABC42261 2.7.7.7 increase output efficiency subunit pntA, pntB Shigella flexneri NADH:NADPH P07001, 1.6.1.2 increase output efficiency transhydrogenase P0AB70 (alpha and beta subunits) Other fabK Streptococcus trans-2-enoyl-ACP AAF98273 1.3.1.9 Contributes to fatty acid pneumoniae reductase II biosynthesis fabL Bacillus enoyl-(acyl carrier AAU39821 1.3.1.9 Contributes to fatty acid licheniformis protein) reductase biosynthesis DSM 13 fabM Streptococcus trans-2, cis-3- DAA05501 4.2.1.17 Contributes to fatty acid mutans decenoyl-ACP biosynthesis isomerase

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary pathway where an acyl thioester such as an acyl-ACP can be converted to a C₁₂ or C_(16:1) fatty acid (FFA) as a precursor intermediate. In step 1 of FIG. 1, a thioesterase is employed to covert an acyl-ACP to a FFA. In certain embodiments, the gene encoding a thioesterase is tesA, ‘tesA, tesB, fatB1, fatB2, fatB3, fatA1, or fatA (see also Table 1 that shows polypeptides that have the enzymatic activity of a thioesterase that can be used to catalyze this step, supra). In step 2, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide or variant thereof is used to generate ω-OH fatty acids (ω-OH FFAs) from fatty acids. Other bifunctional molecules can be produced downstream in the pathway, for example α,ω-diacids or other ω-OH fatty acid derivatives, depending on the enzymatic functionalities that are present in the pathway.

CYP153A-Reductase Hybrid Fusion Polypeptides

ω-Hydroxylases (or ω-oxygenases) include certain non-heme di-iron oxygenases (e.g., alkB from Pseudomonas putida GPo1) and certain heme-type P450 oxygenases (e.g., co-hydroxylases such as cyp153A from Marinobacter aquaeolei). P450s are ubiquitously distributed enzymes, which possess high complexity and display a broad field of activity. They are proteins encoded by a superfamily of genes that convert a broad variety of substrates and catalyze a variety of chemical reactions. Cyp153A is a sub-family of soluble bacterial cytochrome P450s that hydroxylate hydrocarbon chains with high selectivity for the ω-position (van Beilen et al. (2006) Appl. Environ. Microbial. 72:59-65). Members of the cyp153A family have been shown in vitro to selectively hydroxylate the ω-position of alkanes, fatty acids or fatty alcohols, for example cyp153A6 from Mycobacterium sp. HXN-1500 (Funhoff et al. (2006) 1 Bacteria 188:5220-5227), cyp153A16 from Mycobacterium marinum and cyp153A from Polaromonas sp. JS666 (Scheps et al. (2011) Org. Bioma Chem. 9:6727-6733) as well as cyp153A from Marinobacter aquaeoli (Honda-Malca et al. (2012) Chem. Commun. 48:5115-5117). Tables 2A and 2B below show examples of enzymes and redox partners that have ω-hydroxylase enzymatic activity that can be used to produce ω-OH fatty acids and ω-OH fatty acid derivatives.

TABLE 2A Examples of ω-Hydroxylase Enzymatic Activity (P450) (EC 1.14.15.3) Gene Hydroxylation Designation Source Organism Accession No. Redox System Position cyp153A Acinetobacter sp. BAE78452 operon with ferredoxin and ω-hydroxylase (aciA) OC4 ferredoxin reductase cyp153A16 Mycobacterium YP_001851443 operon with ferredoxin and ω-hydroxylase marinum M ferredoxin reductase cyp153A6 Mycobacterium AJ833989 operon with ferredoxin and ω-hydroxylase sp. HXN-1500 ferredoxin reductase cyp153A Marinobacter YP_957888 operon with ferredoxin and ω-hydroxylase aquaeolei VT8 ferredoxin reductase alkB Pseudomonas CAB54050 requires rubredoxin and ω-hydroxylase putida GPo1 rubredoxin reductase alkB Pseudomonas CAB51045 requires rubredoxin and ω-hydroxylase fluorescens rubredoxin reductase CHA0 alkM Acinetobacter YP_046098 requires rubredoxin and ω-hydroxylase baylyi rubredoxin reductase alkB Gordonia sp. ADT82701 requires rubredoxin and ω-hydroxylase SoGc rubredoxin reductase alkW1 Dietzia sp. HQ850582 c-terminal rubredoxin ω-hydroxylase DQ12-45-1b fusion, requires rubredoxin reductase alkB Pseudomonas CAB54050 requires rubredoxin and ω-hydroxylase putida GPo1 rubredoxin reductase alkB Pseudomonas CAB51045 requires rubredoxin and ω-hydroxylase fluorescens rubredoxin reductase CHA0

TABLE 2B Examples of Redox Partners for ω-Hydroxylase Enzymatic Activity (P450) (EC 1.14.15.3) Designation/Name Organism Accession # ferredoxin, Acinetobacter BAE78451, ferredoxin sp. OC4 BAE78453 reductase ferredoxin, Mycobacterium YP_001851444, ferredoxin marinum M YP_001851442 reductase ferredoxin, Marinobacter YP_957887, ferredoxin aquaeoli VT8 YP_957889 reductase alkG, alkT Pseudomonas CAB54052, putida GPo1 CAB54063 rubA, rubB Acinetobacter CAA86925, baylyi ADP1 CAA86926

As with all cytochrome P450s, Cyp153A ω-hydroxylases require electrons for their catalytic activity, which are provided via specific redox proteins such as ferredoxin and ferredoxin reductase. These are discrete proteins interacting with cyp153A. A self-sufficient hybrid (chimeric) cyp153A oxygenase (i.e., an oxygenase that does not require discrete ferredoxin and ferredoxin reductase proteins for activity) has previously been created by fusing cyp153A from Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2 (Kubota et al. (2005) Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 69:2421-2430; Fujita et al. (2009) Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 73:1825-1830) with the reductase domain from P450RhF, which includes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and NADPH-binding sites and a [2FeS] ferredoxin center (Hunter et al. (2005) FEBS Lett. 579:2215-2220). P450RhF belongs to the class-I P450-fused PFOR (DeMot and Parret (2003) Trends Microbiol. 10: 502). This hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF fusion protein was shown in in vitro biotransformations to hydroxylate octane in the ω-position and also hydroxylate other compounds such as cyclohexane or butylbenzene. Other self-sufficient hybrid (chimeric) cyp153A oxygenases have been created by fusing cyp153A from Marinobacter aquaeolei with the reductase domains from P450RhF and P450-BM3 (Scheps et al. (2013) Microb. Biotechnol. 6:694-707). Examples of natural P450-Reductase fusion proteins are shown in Tables 2C and 2D below.

TABLE 2C Examples of Self-Sufficient ω-1,ω-2,ω-3-Hydroxylase (EC 1.14.14.1) Fusion Proteins Gene Source Designation Organism Accession No. Redox System Hydroxylation Position P450-BM3 Bacillus AAA87602 fusion protein with ω-1,-2,-3 hydroxylation (cyp102A1) megaterium reductase domain yrhJ Bacillus NP_390594 fusion protein with ω-1,-2,-3 hydroxylation (cyp102A3) subtilis reductase domain yrhJ Bacillus AAU41718 fusion protein with ω-1,-2,-3 hydroxylation (cyp102A7) licheniformis reductase domain

TABLE 2D Examples of Self-Sufficient Class-I P450-Fused PFOR Fusion Proteins Designation/Name Organism Accession # P450RhF Rhodococcus AAM67416 sp. NCIMB 9784 REQ_44300 Rhodococcus YP_004009071 equi 103S HMPREF0018_01193 Acinetobacter ZP_06072406 radioresistens SH164 BMAA1669 Burkholderia YP_106239 mallei ATCC 23344 Rmet_4932 Cupriavidus YP_587063 metallidurans CH34 H16_B1279 Ralstonia YP_840799 eutropha H16

Given their high selectivity towards the ω-position of hydrocarbon chains, the cyp153A family oxygenases appeared to be good examples of suitable candidates to produce α,ω-bifunctional fatty acid derivatives from a renewable carbon source. This would allow for the development of commercially feasible processes to produce these valuable compounds. Yet, as with other cytochrome P450s, the cyp153A family proteins have so far mostly been applied to in vitro experiments with purified enzymes or crude cell lysates or in resting cell biotransformations to which fatty acid derivatives or hydrocarbons are added exogenously (Kubota et al., Fujita et al., Honda-Malca et al., Scheps et al., supra). However, the hybrid fusion-employing in vitro procedures or resting cell biotransformations are not conducive to large scale and cost-efficient production of ω-hydroxy fatty acid derivatives. The widely accepted knowledge in the art is that many cytochrome P450s as well as alkB-type ω-hydroxylases are not easy to express functionally in recombinant microorganisms because the enzymes are often inactive and their chemistry has been difficult to elucidate. In fact, the only in vivo work using a renewable carbon source other than fatty acid-derivatives that has so far been attempted employed alkB ω-hydroxylase and achieved only low titer of ω-hydroxy fatty acid derivatives in a high cell density fermentation (WO2013/024114A2).

The present disclosure provides CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion protein variants that are capable of efficiently producing ω-hydroxy fatty acid derivatives in vivo from a renewable carbon source. More specifically, a gene from Marinobacter aquaeoli coding for a hybrid fusion protein of the CYP153A (G307A) P450 catalytic domain, where an alanine (A) was substituted for a glycine (G) at position 307, was fused with a gene coding for the c-terminal FMN- and Fe/S-containing reductase domain of P450RhF from Rhodococcus sp. NCIMB9784. The resulting polypeptide is a CYP153A-RedRhF hybrid fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 6) with a corresponding nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 5). When this CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion protein was expressed in E. coli cells with a simple carbon source such as glucose fatty acid derivatives were efficiently converted to ω-hydroxy fatty acid derivatives (see Example 1). Other examples for suitable ω-hydroxylases (EC 1.14.15.3) and their redox partners that can be used to generate similar CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptides are listed in Tables 2A and 2B (supra).

CYP153A-Reductase Hybrid Fusion Polypeptide Variants

The present disclosure identifies CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants that result in high titer, yield and/or productivity of ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative compositions when expressed in host cells. In non-limiting examples of the present disclosure (see Examples 1-7, infra) the hybrid CYP153A(G307A)-RedRhF fusion polypeptide (supra) was used as a template to efficiently engineer CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants to produce increased amounts of ω-OH fatty acids and ω-OH fatty acid derivatives. For example, such a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant can efficiently convert compounds such as dodecanoic acid to 12-hydroxy dodecanoic acid in vivo from a simple carbon source such as glucose. Any simple carbon source, e.g., as derived from a renewable feedstock is suitable. It was shown that an engineered CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants (i.e., illustrated via an engineered CYP153A-RedRhF hybrid fusion polypeptide variant) can efficiently convert fatty acids in vivo to specific desirable compounds including ω-OH fatty acids when co-expressed with a thioesterase in a host cell such as E. coli by using a carbon source such as glucose from a renewable feedstock (see Examples, infra). By following the present disclosure, other hybrid fusion polypeptide variants can be engineered by linking a mutated gene such as a gene coding for a CYP153A protein to a mutated gene coding for a c-terminal reductase domain (see Tables 2A through 2D, supra). Variations are encompassed herein, for example, mutating both genes (the P5450 and reductase domain) or mutating one gene (the P450 or reductase domain). Following these instructions, similar fusion protein variants can be created from other types of ω-hydroxylases.

Thus, the present disclosure relates to CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants that result in high titer, yield and/or productivity of ω-hydroxylated fatty acid derivative compositions when expressed in host cells. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants have one or more mutations in the CYP153A domain or reductase domain or both. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant having at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6 and having one or more mutation at an amino acid position including position 27, 82, 141, 178, 231, 309, 407, 415, 516, 666 and/or 796, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant catalyzes the conversion of a fatty acid to an ω-OH fatty acid. More specifically, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has one or more of the following mutations, including R27L where arginine (R) is substituted with lysine (L); position R82D where arginine (R) is substituted with aspartic acid (D); position V141I where valine is substituted with isoleucine (I); position V141Q where valine (V) is substituted with glutamine (Q); position V141G where valine (V) is substituted with glycine (G); position V141M where valine (V) is substituted with methionine (M); position V141L where valine (V) is substituted with leucine (L); position V141T where valine (V) is substituted with threonine (T); position R178N where arginine (R) is substituted with asparagine (N); position A231T where alanine (A) is substituted with threonine (T); position N309R where asparagine (N) is substituted with arginine (R); position N407A where asparagine (N) is substituted with alanine (A); position V415R where valine (V) is substituted with arginine (R); position T516V where threonine (T) is substituted with valine (V); position P666A where proline (P) is substituted with alanine (A); position P666D where proline (P) is substituted with aspartic acid (D); and position A796V where alanine (A) is substituted with valine (V). Examples of CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants include SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44 and SEQ ID NO: 46. In one embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is a hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF-type fusion protein variant. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in a recombinant host cell results in a higher titer of an ω-OH fatty acid derivative or composition thereof as compared to the titer of an ω-OH fatty acid or composition thereof produced by expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide in a corresponding host cell. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has a mutation at amino acid position 141, including V141I and/or V141T. Herein, the expression of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with mutations V141I or V141T in a recombinant host cell results in a higher titer of an of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid, respectively, as compared to a titer of an ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acid produced by expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutations V141I and A231T (SEQ ID NO: 32) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1,) C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutations R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N and N407A (SEQ ID NO: 34) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutation P666A (SEQ ID NO: 36) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1,) C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutation A796V (SEQ ID NO: 38) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1,) C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutations A796V, P666D and T516V (SEQ ID NO: 40) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutations V141I, A231T and A796V (SEQ ID NO: 42) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1,) C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutations R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N, N407A and A796V (SEQ ID NO: 44) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In another embodiment, the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant has mutations V141T, A231T and A796V (SEQ ID NO: 46) and produces increased amounts of ω-OH C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1), C_(14:1), C_(15:1,) C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids when expressed in a host cell with an enzymatic function of thioesterase. In one embodiment, the variants of SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44 and SEQ ID NO: 46 produced increased amounts of ω-OH fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives when compared to SEQ ID NO: 6. In one embodiment, these ω-OH fatty acids are ω-OH C_(8:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(10:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(12:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(14:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(16:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(18:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(20:0) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(8:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(10:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(12:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(14:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(16:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(18:1) fatty acids, ω-OH C_(20:1) fatty acids, and the like.

The disclosure identifies CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion-related polynucleotide and polypeptide variants. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants include SEQ ID NOS: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion nucleic acid variants (DNA sequences) include SEQ ID NOS: 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 and 47. However, it will be recognized that absolute sequence identity to CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polynucleotide variants is not necessary. For example, changes in a particular polynucleotide sequence can be made and the encoded polypeptide screened for activity. Such changes typically include conservative mutations and silent mutations such as, for example, through codon optimization. Modified or mutated (i.e., mutant) polynucleotides and encoded variant polypeptides can be screened for a desired function, such as, an improved function compared to the wild type or template polypeptide, including but not limited to increased catalytic activity, increased stability, or decreased inhibition (e.g., decreased feedback inhibition), using methods known in the art. The disclosure identifies enzymatic activities involved in various steps (i.e., reactions) of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathways described herein according to Enzyme Classification (EC) number, and provides exemplary polypeptides (e.g., that function as specific enzymes and display specific enzyme activity) categorized by such EC numbers, and exemplary polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Such exemplary polypeptides and polynucleotides, which are identified herein by Sequence Identifier Numbers (SEQ ID NOs; supra), are useful for engineering fatty acid pathways in host cells such as the one shown in FIG. 1. It is to be understood, however, that polypeptides and polynucleotides described herein are exemplary and, thus, non-limiting. The sequences of homologues of exemplary polypeptides described herein are available to those of skill in the art using databases such as, for example, the Entrez databases provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the ExPasy databases provided by the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, the BRENDA database provided by the Technical University of Braunschweig, and the KEGG database provided by the Bioinformatics Center of Kyoto University and University of Tokyo, all which are available on the World Wide Web.

In one embodiment, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure has at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44 and SEQ ID NO: 46. In some embodiments the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from a CYP153A (G307A) polypeptide from Marinobacter aquaeolei where an alanine (A) is substituted for a glycine (G), and fused with a reductase domain of P450RhF from Rhodococcus sp. NCIMB9784. Cytochrome P450RhF is self-sufficient, displays a high degree of substrate promiscuity and catalyzes a wide range of functional groups. In other embodiments, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure has at least about 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44 or SEQ ID NO: 46, and may also include one or more substitutions which results in useful characteristics and/or properties as described herein. In other embodiments, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure has at least about 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91% or 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44 or SEQ ID NO: 46. In still other embodiments, the P450 catalytic domain of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from an organism other than Marinobacter aquaeolei. Such other organisms include, but are not limited to, Acinetobacter sp., Mycobacterium marinum, Polaromonas sp., Alcanivorax borkumensis., Burkholderia fungorum, Caulobacter crescentus, Hyphomonas neptunium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Sphingomonas sp., Mycobacterium sp. In still other embodiments, the reductase domain of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from an organism other than Rhodococcus sp. Such other organisms include, but are not limited to, Rhodococcus equi, Acinetobacter radioresistens, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia mallei, Ralstonia eutropha, Cupriavidus metallidurans.

In a related embodiment, the disclosure includes a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polynucleotide variant that has at least about 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45 or SEQ ID NO: 47. In some embodiments the nucleic acid sequence encodes a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with one or more substitutions which results in improved characteristics and/or properties as described herein. In yet another related embodiment, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure is encoded by a nucleotide sequence having at least about 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91% or 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45 or SEQ ID NO: 47. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants that encompass an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions over substantially the entire length of a nucleic acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45 or SEQ ID NO: 47. In some embodiments the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from Marinobacter aquaeolei. In other embodiments, the P450 hybrid fusion polypeptide is derived from Acinetobacter sp., Mycobacterium marinum, Polaromonas sp., Alcanivorax borkumensis., Burkholderia fungorum, Caulobacter crescentus, Hyphomonas neptunium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Sphingomonas sp., and Mycobacterium sp.

Additional CYP153A-Reductase Hybrid Fusion Polypeptide Variants

The disclosure identifies additional CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion-related polynucleotide and polypeptide variants, wherein a variant was used as a template. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant template is based on the hybrid CYP153A(G307A)-RedRhF fusion polypeptide and further includes mutation A796V (SEQ ID NO: 38). A full saturation library of cyp153A-Red450RhF fusion protein was built and screened for variants that showed improvements over cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V) (SEQ ID NO: 38) (see Example 7). Mutations G307A and A796V are beneficial mutations that improve ω-hydroxylase activity of cyp153A (see SEQ ID NO: 38). The resulting CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants are shown in Table 11 (infra). These CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants produced an increased amount of ω-hydroxy fatty acids (ω-OH FFA titer) when compared to SEQ ID NO: 38 and include SEQ ID NOS: 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 and 96. These CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants may produce increased amounts of ω-OH fatty acids including C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C_(8:1), C_(9:1), C_(10:1), C_(11:1), C_(12:1), C_(13:1,) C_(14:1), C_(15:1), C_(16:1), C_(17:1), C_(18:1), C_(19:1) and/or C_(20:1) fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives.

The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion nucleic acid variants (DNA sequences) include SEQ ID NOS: 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93 and 95. However, it will be recognized that absolute sequence identity to CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polynucleotide variants is not necessary. For example, changes in a particular polynucleotide sequence can be made and the encoded polypeptide screened for activity. Such changes typically include conservative mutations and silent mutations such as, for example, through codon optimization. Modified or mutated (i.e., mutant) polynucleotides and encoded variant polypeptides can be screened for a desired function, such as, an improved function compared to the wild type or template polypeptide, including but not limited to increased catalytic activity, increased stability, or decreased inhibition (e.g., decreased feedback inhibition), using methods known in the art. The disclosure identifies enzymatic activities involved in various steps (i.e., reactions) of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathways described herein according to Enzyme Classification (EC) number, and provides exemplary polypeptides (e.g., that function as specific enzymes and display specific enzyme activity) categorized by such EC numbers, and exemplary polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Such exemplary polypeptides and polynucleotides, which are identified herein by Sequence Identifier Numbers (SEQ ID NOs; supra), are useful for engineering fatty acid pathways in host cells such as the one shown in FIG. 1. It is to be understood, however, that polypeptides and polynucleotides described herein are exemplary and, thus, non-limiting. The sequences of homologues of exemplary polypeptides described herein are available to those of skill in the art using databases such as, for example, the Entrez databases provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the ExPasy databases provided by the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, the BRENDA database provided by the Technical University of Braunschweig, and the KEGG database provided by the Bioinformatics Center of Kyoto University and University of Tokyo, all which are available on the World Wide Web.

In one embodiment, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure has at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68 or SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 94 and SEQ ID NO: 96. In some embodiments the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from a CYP153A (G307A) polypeptide from Marinobacter aquaeolei where a glycine (G) is replaced with an alanine (A), and fused with a reductase domain of P450RhF from Rhodococcus sp. NCIMB9784, and includes an additional mutation of A796V where an alanine (A) is replaced with a valine (V). Cytochrome P450RhF is self-sufficient, displays a high degree of substrate promiscuity and catalyzes a wide range of functional groups. In other embodiments, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure has at least about 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68 or SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 94 or SEQ ID NO: 96, and may also include one or more substitutions which results in useful characteristics and/or properties as described herein. In other embodiments, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure has at least about 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91% or 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68 or SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 94 or SEQ ID NO: 96. In still other embodiments, the P450 catalytic domain of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from an organism other than Marinobacter aquaeolei. Such other organisms include, but are not limited to, Acinetobacter sp., Mycobacterium marinum, Polaromonas sp., Alcanivorax borkumensis., Burkholderia fungorum, Caulobacter crescentus, Hyphomonas neptunium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Sphingomonas sp., Mycobacterium sp. In still other embodiments, the reductase domain of the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from an organism other than Rhodococcus sp. Such other organisms include, but are not limited to, Rhodococcus equi, Acinetobacter radioresistens, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia mallei, Ralstonia eutropha, Cupriavidus metallidurans.

In a related embodiment, the disclosure includes a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polynucleotide variant that has at least about 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO: 91, SEQ ID NO: 93 or SEQ ID NO: 95. In some embodiments the nucleic acid sequence encodes a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant with one or more substitutions which results in improved characteristics and/or properties as described herein. In yet another related embodiment, a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant for use in practicing the disclosure is encoded by a nucleotide sequence having at least about 100%, 99%, 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91% or 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO: 91, SEQ ID NO: 93 or SEQ ID NO: 95. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants that encompass an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions over substantially the entire length of a nucleic acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO: 91, SEQ ID NO: 93 or SEQ ID NO: 95. In some embodiments the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is derived from a Marinobacter aquaeolei species. In other embodiments, the P450 hybrid fusion polypeptide is derived from Acinetobacter sp., Mycobacterium marinum, Polaromonas sp., Alcanivorax borkumensis., Burkholderia fungorum, Caulobacter crescentus, Hyphomonas neptunium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Sphingomonas sp., and Mycobacterium sp.

Sequences

The variants shown in the table below are based on hybrid cytochrome P450 cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF fusion protein.

SEQUENCE TABLE with Variants based on Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein Sequence Identifying Number Description (SEQ ID NO) P450 Cyp153A Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8 wild type sequence (DNA) 1 P450 Cyp153A Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8 wild type sequence (protein) 2 Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A) from Marinobacter aquaeolei, 3 YP_957888 (DNA) Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A) from Marinobacter aquaeolei, 4 YP_957888 (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 5 (Template) (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 6 (Template) (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 7 Variant R27L (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 8 Variant R27L (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 9 Variant R82D (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 10 Variant R82D (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 11 Variant V141I (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 12 Variant V141I (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 13 Variant V141Q (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 14 Variant V141Q (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 15 Variant V141G (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 16 Variant V141G (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 17 Variant V141M (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 18 Variant V141M (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 19 Variant V141L (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 20 Variant V141L (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 21 Variant V141T (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 22 Variant V141T (protein Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 23 Variant R178N (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 24 Variant R178N (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 25 Variant N309R (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 26 Variant N309R (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 27 Variant N407A (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 28 Variant N407A (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 29 Variant V415R (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 30 Variant V415R (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 31 Variant V141I and A231T (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 32 Variant V141I and A231T (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 33 Variant R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N and N407A (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 34 Variant R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N and N407A (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 35 Variant P666A (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 36 Variant P666A (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 37 Variant A796V (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 38 Variant A796V (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 39 Variant T516V, P666D and A796V (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 40 Variant T516V, P666D and A796V (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 41 Variant V141I, A231T and A796V (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 42 Variant V141I, A231T and A796V (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 43 Variant R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N, N407A and A796V (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 44 Variant R27L, R82D, V141M, R178N, N407A and A796V (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 45 Variant V141T, A231T and A796V (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF Fusion Protein 46 Variant V141T, A231T and A796V (protein)

The variants shown in the table below are based on hybrid Cytochrome P450 cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V) fusion protein.

SEQUENCE TABLE with Variants based on Hybrid Cytochrome P450 cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V) Fusion Protein Sequence Identifying Number Description (SEQ ID NO) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V) Fusion 37 Protein (Template) (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V) Fusion 38 Protein (Template) (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 47 Protein Variant D747N (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 48 Protein Variant D747N (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 49 Protein Variant Q12W (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 50 Protein Variant Q12W (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 51 Protein Variant P327D (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 52 Protein Variant P327D (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 53 Protein Variant R14F (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 54 Protein Variant R14F (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 55 Protein Variant N61L (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 56 Protein Variant N61L (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 57 Protein Variant Q28M (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 58 Protein Variant Q28M (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 59 Protein Variant S13K (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 60 Protein Variant S13K (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 61 Protein Variant V771F (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 62 Protein Variant V771F (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 63 Protein Variant Q12T (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 64 Protein Variant Q12T (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 65 Protein Variant K119R (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 66 Protein Variant K119R (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 67 Protein Variant D10Y (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 68 Protein Variant D10Y (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 69 Protein Variant Q12R (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 70 Protein Variant Q12R (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 71 Protein Variant I11L (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 72 Protein Variant I11L (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 73 Protein Variant Q28T (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 74 Protein Variant Q28T (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 75 Protein Variant A231Y (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 76 Protein Variant A231Y (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 77 Protein Variant P745R (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 78 Protein Variant P745R (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 79 Protein Variant D9N (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 80 Protein Variant D9N (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 81 Protein Variant T770G (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 82 Protein Variant T770G (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 83 Protein Variant Y413R (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 84 Protein Variant Y413R (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 85 Protein Variant M784I (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 86 Protein Variant M784I (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 87 Protein Variant D9K (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 88 Protein Variant D9K (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 89 Protein Variant E749L (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 90 Protein Variant E749L (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 91 Protein Variant S233L (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 92 Protein Variant S233L (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 93 Protein Variant E757A (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 94 Protein Variant E757A (protein) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 95 Protein Variant L703G (DNA) Hybrid Cytochrome P450 Cyp153A16(G307A)-RedRhF(A796V) Fusion 96 Protein Variant L703G (protein)

Variations and Mutations

A variant polypeptide as used herein refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that differs from a wild-type or template polypeptide by at least one amino acid. For example, the variant (e.g., mutant) can have one or more of the following conservative amino acid substitutions, including but not limited to, replacement of an aliphatic amino acid, such as alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine, with another aliphatic amino acid; replacement of a serine with a threonine; replacement of a threonine with a serine; replacement of an acidic residue, such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid, with another acidic residue; replacement of a residue bearing an amide group, such as asparagine and glutamine, with another residue bearing an amide group; exchange of a basic residue, such as lysine and arginine, with another basic residue; and replacement of an aromatic residue, such as phenylalanine and tyrosine, with another aromatic residue. In some embodiments, the variant polypeptide has about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99, or more amino acid substitutions, additions, insertions, or deletions. Some preferred fragments of a polypeptide that function as a variant or mutant retain some or all of the biological function (e.g., enzymatic activity) of the corresponding wild-type polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fragment retains at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% or more of the biological function of the corresponding wild-type or template polypeptide. In other embodiments, the fragment or mutant retains about 100% of the biological function of the corresponding wild-type or template polypeptide. In other embodiments, some fragments exhibit increased biological function as compared to the corresponding wild-type or template polypeptide. Guidance in determining which amino acid residues may be substituted, inserted, or deleted without affecting biological activity may be found using computer programs well known in the art, for example, LASERGENE software (DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, Wis.). In some embodiments, a fragment exhibits increased biological function as compared to a corresponding wild-type polypeptide or template polypeptide. For example, a fragment may display at least a 10%, at least a 25%, at least a 50%, at least a 75%, or at least a 90% improvement in enzymatic activity as compared to the corresponding wild-type polypeptide or template polypeptide. In other embodiments, the fragment displays at least 100%, at least 200%, or at least 500% improvement in enzymatic activity as compared to the corresponding wild-type polypeptide or template polypeptide.

It is understood that the polypeptides described herein may have additional conservative or non-essential amino acid substitutions which do not have a substantial effect on the polypeptide function. Whether or not a particular substitution will be tolerated (i.e., will not adversely affect the desired biological function, such as ω-hydroxylase enzymatic activity), can be determined as known in the art (see Bowie et al. (1990) Science, 247:1306-1310). A conservative amino acid substitution is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine), and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine).

Variants can be naturally occurring or created in vitro. In particular, such variants can be created using genetic engineering techniques, such as site directed mutagenesis, random chemical mutagenesis, Exonuclease III deletion procedures, or standard cloning techniques. Alternatively, such variants, mutants, fragments, analogs, or derivatives can be created using chemical synthesis or modification procedures. Methods of making variants are well known in the art. For example, variants can be prepared by using random and site-directed mutagenesis. Random and site-directed mutagenesis are generally known in the art (see, for example, Arnold (1993) Curr. Opin. Biotech. 4:450-455). Random mutagenesis can be achieved using error prone PCR (see, for example, Leung et al. (1989) Technique 1:11-15; and Caldwell et al. (1992) PCR Methods Applic. 2: 28-33). In error prone PCR, the actual PCR is performed under conditions where the copying fidelity of the DNA polymerase is low, such that a high rate of point mutations is obtained along the entire length of the PCR product. Briefly, in such procedures, nucleic acids to be mutagenized (e.g., a polynucleotide sequence encoding a P450 protein or P450 hybrid fusion polypeptide) are mixed with PCR primers, reaction buffer, MgCl₂, MnCl₂, Taq polymerase, and an appropriate concentration of dNTPs for achieving a high rate of point mutation along the entire length of the PCR product. For example, the reaction can be performed using 20 fmoles of nucleic acid to be mutagenized, 30 pmole of each PCR primer, a reaction buffer comprising 50 mMKCl, 10 mM Tris HCl (pH 8.3), 0.01% gelatin, 7 mM MgCl₂, 0.5 mM MnCl₂, 5 units of Taq polymerase, 0.2 mM dGTP, 0.2 mM dATP, 1 mM dCTP, and 1 mM dTTP. PCR can be performed for 30 cycles of 94° C. for 1 min, 45° C. for 1 min, and 72° C. for 1 min. However, it will be appreciated by those in the art that these parameters can be varied as appropriate. The mutagenized nucleic acids are then cloned into an appropriate vector, and the activities of the polypeptides encoded by the mutagenized nucleic acids are evaluated. Site-directed mutagenesis can be achieved using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis to generate site-specific mutations in any cloned DNA of interest. Oligonucleotide mutagenesis is described in the art (see, for example, Reidhaar-Olson et al. (1988) Science 241:53-57). Briefly, in such procedures a plurality of double stranded oligonucleotides bearing one or more mutations to be introduced into the cloned DNA are synthesized and inserted into the cloned DNA to be mutagenized (e.g., a polynucleotide sequence encoding a P450 polypeptide or P450 hybrid fusion polypeptide). Clones containing the mutagenized DNA are recovered, and the activities of the polypeptides they encode are assessed.

Another method for generating variants is assembly PCR. Assembly PCR involves the assembly of a PCR product from a mixture of small DNA fragments. A large number of different PCR reactions occur in parallel in the same vial, with the products of one reaction priming the products of another reaction (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,408). Still another method of generating variants is sexual PCR mutagenesis. In sexual PCR mutagenesis, forced homologous recombination occurs between DNA molecules of different, but highly related, DNA sequences in vitro as a result of random fragmentation of the DNA molecule based on sequence homology. This is followed by fixation of the crossover by primer extension in a PCR reaction. Sexual PCR mutagenesis is described publications known in the art (see, for example, Stemmer (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91:10747-10751). Variants can also be created by in vivo mutagenesis. In some embodiments, random mutations in a nucleic acid sequence are generated by propagating the sequence in a bacterial strain, such as an E. coli strain, which carries mutations in one or more of the DNA repair pathways. Such mutator strains have a higher random mutation rate than that of a wild-type strain. Propagating a DNA sequence (e.g., a polynucleotide sequence encoding an P450 hybrid fusion polypeptide) in one of these strains will eventually generate random mutations within the DNA. Mutator strains suitable for use for in vivo mutagenesis are described in publication in the art (see, for example, International Patent Application Publication No. WO1991/016427). Variants can also be generated using cassette mutagenesis. In cassette mutagenesis, a small region of a double-stranded DNA molecule is replaced with a synthetic oligonucleotide cassette that differs from the native sequence. The oligonucleotide often contains a completely and/or partially randomized native sequence. Recursive ensemble mutagenesis can also be used to generate variants. Recursive ensemble mutagenesis is an algorithm for protein engineering (i.e., protein mutagenesis) developed to produce diverse populations of phenotypically related mutants whose members differ in amino acid sequence. This method uses a feedback mechanism to control successive rounds of combinatorial cassette mutagenesis (see, for example, Arkin et al (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 89:7811-7815). In some embodiments, variants are created using exponential ensemble mutagenesis. Exponential ensemble mutagenesis is a process for generating combinatorial libraries with a high percentage of unique and functional mutants, wherein small groups of residues are randomized in parallel to identify, at each altered position, amino acids which lead to functional proteins (see, for example, Delegrave et al. (1993) Biotech. Res. 11:1548-1552). In some embodiments, variants are created using shuffling procedures wherein portions of a plurality of nucleic acids that encode distinct polypeptides are fused together to create chimeric nucleic acid sequences that encode chimeric polypeptides (as described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,965,408 and 5,939,250).

Host Cells

Strategies to increase production of ω-OH fatty acid compositions by recombinant host cells include increased flux through the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway by expressing a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion gene and a thioesterase gene in the production host. As used herein, the term recombinant host cell or engineered host cell refers to a host cell whose genetic makeup has been altered relative to the corresponding wild-type host cell, for example, by deliberate introduction of new genetic elements and/or deliberate modification of genetic elements naturally present in the host cell. The offspring of such recombinant host cells also contain these new and/or modified genetic elements. In any of the aspects of the disclosure described herein, the host cell can be selected from a plant cell, insect cell, fungus cell (e.g., a filamentous fungus, such as Candida sp., or a budding yeast, such as Saccharomyces sp.), an algal cell and a bacterial cell. In one embodiment, recombinant host cells are recombinant microorganisms. Examples of host cells that are microorganisms include, but are not limited to, cells from the genus Escherichia, Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Zymomonas, Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Neurospora, Fusarium, Humicola, Rhizomucor, Kluyveromyces, Pichia, Mucor, Myceliophtora, Penicillium, Phanerochaete, Pleurotus, Trametes, Chrysosporium, Saccharomyces, Stenotrophamonas, Schizosaccharomyces, Yarrowia, or Streptomyces. In some embodiments, the host cell is a Gram-positive bacterial cell. In other embodiments, the host cell is a Gram-negative bacterial cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is an E. coli cell. In some embodiment, the host cell is an E. coli B cell, an E. coli C cell, an E. coli K cell, or an E. coli W cell. In other embodiments, the host cell is a Bacillus lentus cell, a Bacillus brevis cell, a Bacillus stearothermophilus cell, a Bacillus lichenoformis cell, a Bacillus alkalophilus cell, a Bacillus coagulans cell, a Bacillus circulans cell, a Bacillus pumilis cell, a Bacillus thuringiensis cell, a Bacillus clausii cell, a Bacillus megaterium cell, a Bacillus subtilis cell, or a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens cell. In other embodiments, the host cell is a Trichoderma koningii cell, a Trichoderma viride cell, a Trichoderma reesei cell, a Trichoderma longibrachiatum cell, an Aspergillus awamori cell, an Aspergillus fumigates cell, an Aspergillus foetidus cell, an Aspergillus nidulans cell, an Aspergillus niger cell, an Aspergillus oryzae cell, a Humicola insolens cell, a Humicola lanuginose cell, a Rhodococcusopacus cell, a Rhizomucormiehei cell, or a Mucormichei cell. In yet other embodiments, the host cell is a Streptomyces lividans cell or a Streptomyces murinus cell. In yet other embodiments, the host cell is an Actinomycetes cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell.

In other embodiments, the host cell is a eukaryotic plant cell, an alga cell, a cyanobacterium cell, a green-sulfur bacterium cell, a green non-sulfur bacterium cell, a purple sulfur bacterium cell, a purple non-sulfur bacterium cell, an extremophile cell, a yeast cell, a fungus cell, an engineered cell of any of the organisms described herein, or a synthetic organism. In some embodiments, the host cell is light-dependent or fixes carbon. In some embodiments, the host cell has autotrophic activity. In some embodiments, the host cell has photoautotrophic activity, such as in the presence of light. In some embodiments, the host cell is heterotrophic or mixotrophic in the absence of light. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a cell from Arabidopsis thaliana, Panicum virgatum, Miscanthus giganteus, Zea mays, Botryococcuse braunii, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Dunaliela salina, Synechococcus Sp. PCC 7002, Synechococcus Sp. PCC 7942, Synechocystis Sp. PCC 6803, Thermosynechococcus elongates BP-1, Chlorobium tepidum, Chlorojlexus auranticus, Chromatiumm vinosum, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodopseudomonas palusris, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium thermocellum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Pseudomonas fluorescens, or Zymomonas mobilis. In one embodiment, the microbial cell is from a cyanobacteria including, but not limited to, Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, Synechocystis, Cyanothece, and Nostoc punctiforme. In another embodiment, the microbial cell is from a specific cyanobacterial species including, but not limited to, Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942, Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, and Synechococcus sp. PCC7001.

Expression Vectors

In some embodiments, a polynucleotide (or gene) sequence is provided to the host cell by way of a recombinant vector, which includes a promoter operably linked to the polynucleotide sequence. In certain embodiments, the promoter is a developmentally-regulated, an organelle-specific, a tissue-specific, an inducible, a constitutive, or a cell-specific promoter. In some embodiments, the recombinant vector includes at least one sequence selected from an expression control sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a selection marker operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a marker sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a purification moiety operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; a secretion sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence; and a targeting sequence operatively coupled to the polynucleotide sequence. The expression vectors described herein include a polynucleotide sequence in a form suitable for expression of the polynucleotide sequence in a host cell. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of polypeptide desired, and the like. The expression vectors described herein can be introduced into host cells to produce polypeptides, including fusion polypeptides, encoded by the polynucleotide sequences as described above (supra). Expression of genes encoding polypeptides in prokaryotes, for example, E. coli, is most often carried out with vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters directing the expression of either fusion or non-fusion polypeptides. Fusion vectors add a number of amino acids to a polypeptide encoded therein, usually to the amino- or carboxy-terminus of the recombinant polypeptide. Such fusion vectors typically serve one or more of the following three purposes including increasing expression of the recombinant polypeptide; increasing the solubility of the recombinant polypeptide; and aiding in the purification of the recombinant polypeptide by acting as a ligand in affinity purification. Often, in fusion expression vectors, a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the fusion moiety and the recombinant polypeptide. This allows separation of the recombinant polypeptide from the fusion moiety after purification of the fusion polypeptide. Examples of such enzymes, and their cognate recognition sequences, include Factor Xa, thrombin, and enterokinase. Exemplary fusion expression vectors include pGEX vector (Pharmacia Biotech, Inc., Piscataway, N.J.; Smith et al. (1988) Gene 67:31-40), pMAL vector (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.), and pRITS vector (Pharmacia Biotech, Inc., Piscataway, N.J.), which fuse glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose E binding protein, or protein A, respectively, to the target recombinant polypeptide.

Examples of inducible, non-fusion E. coli expression vectors include pTrc vector (Amann et al. (1988) Gene 69:301-315) and pET 11d vector (Studier et al., Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89). Target gene expression from the pTrc vector relies on host RNA polymerase transcription from a hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter. Target gene expression from the pET 11d vector relies on transcription from a T7 gn10-lac fusion promoter mediated by a coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7 gn1). This viral polymerase is supplied by host strains such as BL21(DE3) or HMS174(DE3) from a resident λ prophage harboring a T7 gn1 gene under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter. Suitable expression systems for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are well known in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, second edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). Examples of inducible, non-fusion E. coli expression vectors include pTrc vector (Amann et al. (1988) Gene 69:301-315) and PET 11d vector (Studier et al. (1990) Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif., pp. 60-89). In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide sequence of the disclosure is operably linked to a promoter derived from bacteriophage T5. In one embodiment, the host cell is a yeast cell. In this embodiment, the expression vector is a yeast expression vector. Vectors can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via a variety of art-recognized techniques for introducing foreign nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) into a host cell. Suitable methods for transforming or transfecting host cells can be found in, for example, Sambrook et al. (supra). For stable transformation of bacterial cells, it is known that (depending upon the expression vector and transformation technique used) a certain fraction of cells will take-up and replicate the expression vector. In order to identify and select these transformants, a gene that encodes a selectable marker (e.g., resistance to an antibiotic) can be introduced into the host cells along with the gene of interest. Selectable markers include those that confer resistance to drugs such as, but not limited to, ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, or tetracycline. Nucleic acids encoding a selectable marker can be introduced into a host cell on the same vector as that encoding a polypeptide described herein or can be introduced on a separate vector.

Optional Pathway Engineering

The host cells or microorganisms of the disclosure include host strains or host cells that are genetically engineered or modified to contain alterations in order to test the efficiency of specific mutations on enzymatic activities (i.e., recombinant cells or microorganisms). Various optional genetic manipulations and alterations can be used interchangeably from one host cell to another, depending on what native enzymatic pathways are present in the original host cell. In one embodiment, a host strain can be used for testing the expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in combination with other biosynthetic polypeptides (e.g., enzymes). A host strain may encompasses a number of genetic alterations in order to test specific variables, including but not limited to, culture conditions including fermentation components, carbon source (e.g., feedstock), temperature, pressure, reduced culture contamination conditions, and oxygen levels.

In one embodiment, a host strain encompasses an optional fadE and fhuA deletion. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (FadE) is an enzyme that is important for metabolizing fatty acids. It catalyzes the second step in fatty acid utilization (beta-oxidation), which is the process of breaking long chains of fatty acids (acyl-CoAs) into acetyl-CoA molecules. More specifically, the second step of the β-oxidation cycle of fatty acid degradation in bacteria is the oxidation of acyl-CoA to 2-enoyl-CoA, which is catalyzed by FadE. When E. coli lacks FadE, it cannot grow on fatty acids as a carbon source but it can grow on acetate. The inability to utilize fatty acids of any chain length is consistent with the reported phenotype of fadE strains, i.e., fadE mutant strains where FadE function is disrupted. The fadE gene can be optionally knocked out or attenuated to assure that acyl-CoAs, which may be intermediates in a fatty acid derivative pathway, can accumulate in the cell such that all acyl-CoAs can be efficiently converted to fatty acid derivatives. However, fadE attenuation is optional when sugar is used as a carbon source since under such condition expression of FadE is likely repressed and FadE therefore may only be present in small amounts and not able to efficiently compete with ester synthase or other enzymes for acyl-CoA substrates. FadE is repressed due to catabolite repression. E. coli and many other microbes prefer to consume sugar over fatty acids, so when both sources are available sugar is consumed first by repressing the fad regulon (see D. Clark, J Bacteria (1981) 148(2):521-6)). Moreover, the absence of sugars and the presence of fatty acids induces FadE expression. Acyl-CoA intermediates could be lost to the beta oxidation pathway since the proteins expressed by the fad regulon (including FadE) are up-regulated and will efficiently compete for acyl-CoAs. Thus, it can be beneficial to have the fadE gene knocked out or attenuated. Since most carbon sources are mainly sugar based, it is optional to attenuate FadE. The gene fhuA codes for the TonA protein, which is an energy-coupled transporter and receptor in the outer membrane of E. coli (V. Braun (2009) J. Bacteria 191(11):3431-3436). Its deletion is optional. The fhuA deletion allows the cell to become more resistant to phage attack which can be beneficial in certain fermentation conditions. Thus, it may be desirable to delete fhuA in a host cell that is likely subject to potential contamination during fermentation runs.

In another embodiment, the host strain (supra) also encompasses optional overexpression of one or more of the following genes including fadR, fabA, fabD, fabG, fabH, fabV, and/or fabF. Examples of such genes are fadR from Escherichia coli, fabA from Salmonella typhimurium (NP 460041), fabD from Salmonella typhimurium (NP 460164), fabG from Salmonella typhimurium (NP_460165), fabH from Salmonella typhimurium (NP 460163), fabV from Vibrio cholera (YP_001217283), and fabF from Clostridium acetobutylicum (NP_350156). The overexpression of one or more of these genes, which code for enzymes and regulators in fatty acid biosynthesis, can serve to increase the titer of fatty-acid derivative compounds including ω-OH fatty acids and derivatives thereof under various culture conditions.

In another embodiment, E. coli strains are used as host cells for the production of ω-OH fatty acids and derivatives thereof. Similarly, these host cells provide optional overexpression of one or more biosynthesis genes (i.e., genes coding for enzymes and regulators of fatty acid biosynthesis) that can further increase or enhance the titer of fatty-acid derivative compounds such as fatty acid derivatives (e.g., ω-OH fatty acids and α,ω-diacids, etc.) under various culture conditions including, but not limited to, fadR, fabA, fabD, fabG, fabH, fabV and/or fabF. Examples of genetic alterations include fadR from Escherichia coli, fabA from Salmonella typhimurium (NP_460041), fabD from Salmonella typhimurium (NP_460164), fabG from Salmonella typhimurium (NP_460165), fabH from Salmonella typhimurium (NP_460163), fabV from Vibrio cholera (YP_001217283), and fabF from Clostridium acetobutylicum (NP_350156). In some embodiments, synthetic operons that carry these biosynthetic genes can be engineered and expressed in cells in order to test P450 expression under various culture conditions and/or further enhance ω-OH fatty acid and α,ω-diacid production. Such synthetic operons contain one or more biosynthetic gene. An engineered operon may contain optional fatty acid biosynthetic genes, including fabV from Vibrio cholera, fabH from Salmonella typhimurium, fabD from S. typhimurium, fabG from S. typhimurium, fabA from S. typhimurium and/or fabF from Clostridium acetobutylicum that may be used to facilitate overexpression of fatty acid derivatives in order to test specific culture conditions. One advantage of such synthetic operons is that the rate of ω-OH fatty acid derivative production may be further increased or enhanced.

In some embodiments, the host cells or microorganisms that are used to express ACP and biosynthetic enzymes (e.g., ω-hydroxylase, thioesterase, etc.) will further express genes that encompass certain enzymatic activities that can increase the production to one or more particular fatty acid derivative(s) such as ω-OH fatty acids, ω-OH fatty acid derivatives, α,ω-diacids and the like. In one embodiment, the host cell has thioesterase activity (E.C. 3.1.2.* or E.C. 3.1. 2.14 or E.C. 3.1.1.5) for the production of fatty acids which can be increased by overexpressing the gene. In another embodiment, the host cell has ester synthase activity (E.C. 2.3.1.75) for the production of fatty esters. In another embodiment, the host cell has acyl-ACP reductase (AAR) (E.C. 1.2.1.80) activity and/or alcohol dehydrogenase activity (E.C. 1.1.1.1.) and/or fatty alcohol acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) (E.C. 1.1.1.*) activity and/or carboxylic acid reductase (CAR) (EC 1.2.99.6) activity for the production of fatty alcohols. In another embodiment, the host cell has acyl-ACP reductase (AAR) (E.C. 1.2.1.80) activity for the production of fatty aldehydes. In another embodiment, the host cell has acyl-ACP reductase (AAR) (E.C. 1.2.1.80) activity and decarbonylase (ADC) activity for the production of alkanes and alkenes. In another embodiment, the host cell has acyl-CoA reductase (E.C. 1.2.1.50) activity, acyl-CoA synthase (FadD) (E.C. 2.3.1.86) activity, and thioesterase (E.C. 3.1.2.* or E.C. 3.1. 2.14 or E.C. 3.1.1.5) activity for the production of fatty alcohols. In another embodiment, the host cell has ester synthase activity (E.C. 2.3.1.75), acyl-CoA synthase (FadD) (E.C. 2.3.1.86) activity, and thioesterase (E.C. 3.1.2.* or E.C. 3.1. 2.14 or E.C. 3.1.1.5) activity for the production of fatty esters. In another embodiment, the host cell has OleA activity for the production of ketones. In another embodiment, the host cell has OleBCD activity for the production of internal olefins. In another embodiment, the host cell has acyl-ACP reductase (AAR) (E.C. 1.2.1.80) activity and alcohol dehydrogenase activity (E.C. 1.1.1.1.) for the production of fatty alcohols. In another embodiment, the host cell has thioesterase (E.C. 3.1.2.* or E.C. 3.1. 2.14 or E.C. 3.1.1.5) activity and decarboxylase activity for making terminal olefins. The expression of enzymatic activities in microorganisms and microbial cells is taught by U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,097,439; 8,110,093; 8,110,670; 8,183,028; 8,268,599; 8,283,143; 8,232,924; 8,372,610; and 8,530,221, which are incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, the host cells or microorganisms that are used to express ACP and other biosynthetic enzymes will include certain native enzyme activities that are upregulated or overexpressed in order to produce one or more particular fatty acid derivative(s) such as ω-OH fatty acids, ω-OH fatty acid derivatives, and α,ω-diacids. In one embodiment, the host cell has a native thioesterase (E.C. 3.1.2.* or E.C. 3.1. 2.14 or E.C. 3.1.1.5) activity for the production of fatty acids which can be increased by overexpressing the thioesterase gene.

The present disclosure includes host strains or microorganisms that express genes that code for CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants and other biosynthetic enzymes (supra). The recombinant host cells produce fatty acid derivatives such as ω-OH fatty acids, ω-OH fatty acid derivatives, α,ω-diacids and compositions and blends thereof. The fatty acid derivatives are typically recovered from the culture medium and/or are isolated from the host cells. In one embodiment, the fatty acid derivatives are recovered from the culture medium (extracellular). In another embodiment, the fatty acid derivatives are isolated from the host cells (intracellular). In another embodiment, the fatty acid derivatives are recovered from the culture medium and isolated from the host cells. The fatty acid derivatives or compositions produced by a host cell can be analyzed using methods known in the art, for example, GC-FID, in order to determine the distribution of particular fatty acid derivatives as well as chain lengths and degree of saturation of the components of the ω-OH fatty acid derivatives such as ω-OH fatty acids, ω-OH fatty esters, α,ω-diacids, and the like.

Culture and Fermentation

As used herein, the term fermentation broadly refers to the conversion of organic materials into target substances by host cells, for example, the conversion of a carbon source by recombinant host cells into ω-OH fatty acids or derivatives thereof by propagating a culture of the recombinant host cells in a media comprising the carbon source. The conditions permissive for the production refer to any conditions that allow a host cell to produce a desired product, such as ω-OH fatty acids. Similarly, the condition or conditions in which the polynucleotide sequence of a vector is expressed means any conditions that allow a host cell to synthesize a polypeptide. Suitable conditions include, for example, fermentation conditions. Fermentation conditions can include many parameters including, but not limited to, temperature ranges, levels of aeration, feed rates and media composition. Each of these conditions, individually and in combination, allows the host cell to grow. Fermentation can be aerobic, anaerobic, or variations thereof (such as micro-aerobic). Exemplary culture media include broths or gels. Generally, the medium includes a carbon source that can be metabolized by a host cell directly. In addition, enzymes can be used in the medium to facilitate the mobilization (e.g., the depolymerization of starch or cellulose to fermentable sugars) and subsequent metabolism of the carbon source.

For small scale production, the engineered host cells can be grown in batches of, for example, about 100 μL, 200 μL, 300 μL, 400 μL, 500 μL, 1 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, 75 mL, 100 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L, 5 L, or 10 L; fermented; and induced to express a desired polynucleotide sequence, such as a polynucleotide sequence encoding a P450 hybrid fusion polypeptide. For large scale production, the engineered host cells can be grown in batches of about 10 L, 100 L, 1000 L, 10,000 L, 100,000 L, and 1,000,000 L or larger; fermented; and induced to express a desired polynucleotide sequence. Alternatively, large scale fed-batch fermentation may be carried out. The ω-OH fatty acids, derivatives and compositions thereof as described herein are found in the extracellular environment of the recombinant host cell culture and can be readily isolated from the culture medium. An ω-OH fatty acid or derivative thereof may be secreted by the recombinant host cell, transported into the extracellular environment or passively transferred into the extracellular environment of the recombinant host cell culture. The ω-OH fatty acids or derivatives thereof are isolated from a recombinant host cell culture using routine methods known in the art.

Products Derived from Recombinant Host Cells

As used herein, the fraction of modem carbon or fM has the same meaning as defined by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRMs4990B and 4990C, known as oxalic acids standards HOxI and HOxII, respectively. The fundamental definition relates to 0.95 times the ¹⁴C/¹²C isotope ratio HOxI (referenced to AD 1950). This is roughly equivalent to decay-corrected pre-Industrial Revolution wood. For the current living biosphere (plant material), fM is approximately 1.1. Bioproducts (e.g., the fatty acid derivatives including ω-OH fatty acids and derivatives produced in accordance with the present disclosure) include biologically produced organic compounds. In particular, the fatty acid derivatives (e.g., ω-OH fatty acids and derivatives thereof) produced using the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway herein, have not been produced from renewable sources and, as such, are new compositions of matter. These new bioproducts can be distinguished from organic compounds derived from petrochemical carbon on the basis of dual carbon-isotopic fingerprinting or ¹⁴C dating. Additionally, the specific source of biosourced carbon (e.g., glucose vs. glycerol) can be determined by dual carbon-isotopic fingerprinting (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,588). The ability to distinguish bioproducts from petroleum based organic compounds is beneficial in tracking these materials in commerce. For example, organic compounds or chemicals including both biologically based and petroleum based carbon isotope profiles may be distinguished from organic compounds and chemicals made only of petroleum based materials. Hence, the bioproducts herein can be followed or tracked in commerce on the basis of their unique carbon isotope profile. Bioproducts can be distinguished from petroleum based organic compounds by comparing the stable carbon isotope ratio ²C) in each sample. The ¹³C/¹²C ratio in a given bioproduct is a consequence of the ¹³C/¹²C ratio in atmospheric carbon dioxide at the time the carbon dioxide is fixed. It also reflects the precise metabolic pathway. Regional variations also occur. Petroleum, C3 plants (the broadleaf), C4 plants (the grasses), and marine carbonates all show significant differences in ¹³C/¹²C and the corresponding δ¹³C values. Furthermore, lipid matter of C3 and C4 plants analyze differently than materials derived from the carbohydrate components of the same plants as a consequence of the metabolic pathway. Within the precision of measurement, ¹³C shows large variations due to isotopic fractionation effects, the most significant of which for bioproducts is the photosynthetic mechanism. The major cause of differences in the carbon isotope ratio in plants is closely associated with differences in the pathway of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in the plants, particularly the reaction occurring during the primary carboxylation (i.e., the initial fixation of atmospheric CO₂). Two large classes of vegetation are those that incorporate the C3 (or Calvin-Benson) photosynthetic cycle and those that incorporate the C4 (or Hatch-Slack) photosynthetic cycle. In C3 plants, the primary CO₂ fixation or carboxylation reaction involves the enzyme ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase, and the first stable product is a 3-carbon compound. C3 plants, such as hardwoods and conifers, are dominant in the temperate climate zones. In C4 plants, an additional carboxylation reaction involving another enzyme, phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxylase, is the primary carboxylation reaction. The first stable carbon compound is a 4-carbon acid that is subsequently decarboxylated. The CO₂ thus released is refixed by the C3 cycle. Examples of C4 plants are tropical grasses, corn, and sugar cane. Both C4 and C3 plants exhibit a range of ¹³C/¹²C isotopic ratios, but typical values are about −7 to about −13 per mil for C4 plants and about −19 to about −27 per mil for C3 plants (see, e.g., Stuiver et al. (1977) Radiocarbon 19:355). Coal and petroleum fall generally in this latter range. The ¹³C measurement scale was originally defined by a zero set by Pee Dee Belemnite (PDB) limestone, where values are given in parts per thousand deviations from this material. The δ13C values are expressed in parts per thousand (per mil), abbreviated, ‰, and are calculated as follows: δ¹3C(‰)=[(¹³ C/ ¹² C)sample−(¹³ C/ ¹² C)standard]/(¹³ C/ ¹² C)standard×1000

Since the PDB reference material (RM) has been exhausted, a series of alternative RMs have been developed in cooperation with the IAEA, USGS, NIST, and other selected international isotope laboratories. Notations for the per mil deviations from PDB is δ¹³C. Measurements are made on CO₂ by high precision stable ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) on molecular ions of masses 44, 45, and 46. The compositions described herein include bioproducts produced by any of the methods described herein, including, for example, fatty acid derivative products. Specifically, the bioproduct can have a δ¹³C of about −28 or greater, about −27 or greater, −20 or greater, −18 or greater, −15 or greater, −13 or greater, −10 or greater, or −8 or greater. For example, the bioproduct can have a δ¹³C of about −30 to about −15, about −27 to about −19, about −25 to about −21, about −15 to about −5, about −13 to about −7, or about −13 to about −10. In other instances, the bioproduct can have a δ¹³C of about −10, −11, −12, or −12.3. Bioproducts produced in accordance with the disclosure herein, can also be distinguished from petroleum based organic compounds by comparing the amount of ¹⁴C in each compound. Because ¹⁴C has a nuclear half-life of 5730 years, petroleum based fuels containing older carbon can be distinguished from bioproducts which contain newer carbon (see, e.g., Currie, Source Apportionment of Atmospheric Particles, Characterization of Environmental Particles, J. Buffle and H. P. van Leeuwen, Eds., 1 of Vol. I of the IUPAC Environmental Analytical Chemistry Series (Lewis Publishers, Inc.) 3-74, (1992)). The basic assumption in radiocarbon dating is that the constancy of ¹⁴C concentration in the atmosphere leads to the constancy of ¹⁴C in living organisms. However, because of atmospheric nuclear testing since 1950 and the burning of fossil fuel since 1850, ¹⁴C has acquired a second, geochemical time characteristic. Its concentration in atmospheric CO₂, and hence in the living biosphere, approximately doubled at the peak of nuclear testing, in the mid-1960s. It has since been gradually returning to the steady-state cosmogenic (atmospheric) baseline isotope rate (¹⁴C/¹²C) of about 1.2×10⁻¹², with an approximate relaxation “half-life” of 7-10 years. This latter half-life must not be taken literally; rather, one must use the detailed atmospheric nuclear input/decay function to trace the variation of atmospheric and biospheric ¹⁴C since the onset of the nuclear age. It is this latter biospheric ¹⁴C time characteristic that holds out the promise of annual dating of recent biospheric carbon. ¹⁴C can be measured by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), with results given in units of fraction of modern carbon (fM). fM is defined by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) 4990B and 4990C. As used herein, fraction of modern carbon or fM has the same meaning as defined by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) 4990B and 4990C, known as oxalic acids standards HOxI and HOxII, respectively. The fundamental definition relates to 0.95 times the ¹⁴C/¹²C isotope ratio HOxI (referenced to AD 1950). This is roughly equivalent to decay-corrected pre-Industrial Revolution wood. For the current living biosphere (plant material), fM is approximately 1.1. The compositions described herein include bioproducts that can have an fM¹⁴C of at least about 1. For example, the bioproduct of the disclosure can have an fM¹⁴C of at least about 1.01, an fM¹⁴C of about 1 to about 1.5, an fM¹⁴C of about 1.04 to about 1.18, or an fM¹⁴C of about 1.111 to about 1.124.

Another measurement of ¹⁴C is known as the percent of modern carbon (pMC). For an archaeologist or geologist using ¹⁴C dates, AD 1950 equals zero years old. This also represents 100 pMC. Bomb carbon in the atmosphere reached almost twice the normal level in 1963 at the peak of thermo-nuclear weapons. Its distribution within the atmosphere has been approximated since its appearance, showing values that are greater than 100 pMC for plants and animals living since AD 1950. It has gradually decreased over time with today's value being near 107.5 pMC. This means that a fresh biomass material, such as corn, would give a ¹⁴C signature near 107.5 pMC. Petroleum based compounds will have a pMC value of zero. Combining fossil carbon with present day carbon will result in a dilution of the present day pMC content. By presuming 107.5 pMC represents the ¹⁴C content of present day biomass materials and 0 pMC represents the ¹⁴C content of petroleum based products, the measured pMC value for that material will reflect the proportions of the two component types. For example, a material derived 100% from present day soybeans would give a radiocarbon signature near 107.5 pMC. If that material was diluted 50% with petroleum based products, it would give a radiocarbon signature of approximately 54 pMC. A biologically based carbon content is derived by assigning 100% equal to 107.5 pMC and 0% equal to 0 pMC. For example, a sample measuring 99 pMC will give an equivalent biologically based carbon content of 93%. This value is referred to as the mean biologically based carbon result and assumes all the components within the analyzed material originated either from present day biological material or petroleum based material. A bioproduct comprising one or more fatty acid derivatives as described herein can have a pMC of at least about 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100. In other instances, a fatty acid derivative described herein can have a pMC of between about 50 and about 100; about 60 and about 100; about 70 and about 100; about 80 and about 100; about 85 and about 100; about 87 and about 98; or about 90 and about 95. In yet other instances, a fatty acid derivative described herein can have a pMC of about 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 94.2.

Examples

The following specific examples are intended to illustrate the disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Protocols and Methods

Screening a Library

All protocols described herein rely on a 96 well plate—master block—2 mL system (Greiner Bio-One, Monroe, N.C. or Corning, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) for growing cultures, and plates (Costar, Inc.) for extracting fatty acid species from the culture broth. The protocols provided below are examples of fermentation conditions. Alternative protocols can be used to evaluate fatty acid species production.

32° C. Plim Culture Protocol

30 μL LB culture (from an LB culture growing in a 96 well plate) was used to inoculate 290 μL Plim media (Table 2), which was then incubated for approximately 16 hours at 32° C. shaking. 40 μL of the overnight seed was used to inoculate 360 μL Plim media. After growing at 32° C. for 2 hours, the cultures were induced with IPTG (final concentration 1 mM) (Table 3 below). The cultures were then incubated at 32° C. with shaking for 20 hours if not noted otherwise, after which they were extracted following the standard extraction protocol detailed below.

35° C. Nlim Culture Protocol

40 μL LB culture (from an LB culture growing in a 96 well plate) was used to inoculate 360 μL LB media (Table 3 below), which was then incubated for approximately 4 hours at 32° C. shaking. 40 μL of the LB seed was used to inoculate 360 μL Nlim media. After growing at 32° C. for 2 hours at 35° C., the cultures were induced with IPTG (final concentration 1 mM) (Table 3 below). The cultures were then incubated at 35° C. with shaking for 20 hours if not noted otherwise, after which they were extracted following the standard extraction protocol detailed below.

TABLE 3 Media Names and Formulations Media Name Formulation Plim 1 x 5x Plim Salt Soln. with (NH4)₂SO₄ 1 x 1000x Trace Vitamins 1 mg/L 10 mg/mL Thiamine 1 mM 1M MgSO4 0.1 mM 1M CaCl2 40 g/L 500 g/L glucose 1 x 1000x Trace minerals 10 mg/L 10 g/L Fe Citrate 100 μg/mL 100 mg/ml spectinomycin 100 mM 2M BisTris (pH 7.0) 0.5 mM Aminolevulinic acid Nlim 1 x 5x Salt Soln. with NH4Cl 1 x 1000x Trace Vitamins 1 mg/L 10 mg/mL Thiamine 1 mM 1M MgSO4 0.1 mM 1M CaCl2 40 g/L 500 g/L glucose 1 x 1000x Trace minerals 10 mg/L 10 g/L Fe Citrate 100 μg/mL 100 mg/ml spectinomycin 100 mM 2M BisTris (pH 7.0) 0.5 mM Aminolevulinic acid

Fatty Acid Species Standard Extraction Protocol

To each well to be extracted 80 μL of 1M HCl, followed by 400 μL of butyl acetate (with 500 mg/L pentadecanol as internal standard) was added. The 96 well plates were then heat-sealed using a plate sealer (ALPS-300 heater; Abgene, ThermoScientific, Rockford, Ill.), and shaken for 15 minutes at 2000 rpm using MIXMATE mixer (Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany). After shaking, the plates were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 4500 rpm at room temperature (Allegra X-15R, rotor SX4750A, Beckman Coulter, Brea, Calif.) to separate the aqueous and organic layers. 100 μL of the organic layer was transferred to a 96 well plate (polypropylene, Corning, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and derivatized with 100 uL of BSTFA. The plate was subsequently heat sealed and stored at −20° C. until evaluated by GC-FID using the ω-OH FFA method was carried out as follows: 1 μL of sample was injected onto an analytical column (DB-1, 10 m×180 μm×0.2 μM film thickness, available from JW 121-101A) in an Agilent 7890A GC Ultra device (Agilent, Santa Clara, Calif.) with a flame ionization detector (FID) with a 1-20 split. The instrument was set up to detect and quantify C₁₀ to C₁₈ fatty acids and ω-hydroxylated fatty acids. The protocol detailed above represents standard conditions, which may be modified as necessary to optimize the analytical results.

Building Error Prone Libraries

Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare error prone libraries. In one example, the vector backbone was prepared using restriction endonucleases in the vector, while the creation of diversity in the DNA insert was generated by PCR amplification from a DNA template under conditions favoring the incorporation of mismatched nucleotides. In one approach, the cloning of the vector backbone and a DNA insert with diversity was performed using the INFUSION Cloning System (Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Mountain View, Calif.), according to the manufacturer's protocol.

Building Saturation Libraries

Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare saturation libraries. In one example, the vector backbone was prepared using restriction endonucleases in the vector, while the creation of diversity in the DNA insert was generated using degenerate primers. In one approach, the cloning of the vector backbone and a DNA insert with diversity was performed using INFUSION Cloning System (Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Mountain View, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's protocol.

Building Combination Libraries

Mutations identified as beneficial were combined to provide CYP153-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variants (e.g., hybrid CYP153A-RedRhF protein variants) with further improvements in the production of ω-OH fatty acid derivative species. Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare the combination libraries. In one example, the vector backbone was prepared using restriction endonucleases in the vector, while the creation of diversity in the DNA insert was generated using primers to introduce the desired mutations. As described above, in one approach, the cloning of the vector backbone and a DNA insert with diversity was performed using INFUSION Cloning System (Clontech Laboratories, Inc., Mountain View, Calif.), according to manufacturer's protocol. Combination libraries can be generated using the transfer PCR (tPCR) protocol (Erijman et al. (2011) J. Structural Bio. 175:171-177).

Library Screening

Once the library diversity was generated in an error-prone, saturation library or combination library, it was screened using one of the methods described above. Two types of hits were identified: (1) increased amount of ω-hydroxy fatty acids (ω-OH FFA titer); and/or (2) increased conversion of fatty acids to ω-hydroxy fatty acids. The mutations in the hybrid cyp153A-RedRhF protein variants within each hit were identified by sequencing, using standard techniques routinely employed by those of skill in the art. Tables 5, 6 and 7 below list the mutations (hits) identified as beneficial in saturation libraries.

Example 1: Strain and Plasmid Construction for Library Screening

This example describes the strains and plasmids constructed for saturation or combinatorial mutagenesis library screening.

A gene coding for a hybrid-fusion protein made of the CYP153A(G307A) P450 catalytic protein from Marinobacter aquaeoli and the c-terminal FMN- and Fe/S-containing reductase domain of P450RhF from Rhodococcus sp. NCIMB9784 was created as follows: The cyp165A(G307A)_Maqu gene was amplified from genomic DNA and fused with a codon-optimized synthetic P450RhF reductase domain by cross-over PCR. The resulting fusion gene (SEQ ID NO: 5) was cloned into a pACYC-derivative (i.e., p15A replicon, kanamycin resistance marker) such that its transcription was controlled by the IPTG-inducible Ptrc promoter. The plasmid was named pEP125 (see Table 4, infra).

The gene coding for the hybrid cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF fusion protein was also amplified from pEP125 and cloned into a pCL1920-derivative vector (SC101 replicon, spectinomycin resistance marker), such that its transcription was controlled by the IPTG-inducible Ptrc promoter and it formed an operon with genes coding for a plant thioesterase (fatB1), a variant of 3-keto-acyl-ACP synthase (fabB) and a transcriptional regulator (fadR). The plasmid was named pLC81 (see Table 4, infra).

Additional plasmids were created as follows: The gene coding a plant thioesterase (fatB1) from Umbellularia californica was synthesized as codon-optimized DNA and cloned into a pCL1920-derivative vector (SC101 replicon, spectinomycin resistance marker), such that its transcription was controlled by the IPTG-inducible Ptrc promoter and it formed an operon with genes coding for acetyl-CoA carboxylase (accDACB), biotin ligase (birA) and a acyl-carrier protein. The plasmid was named pNH305 (see Table 4, infra). Plasmid pAS033 was created by replacing fatB1 in pNH305 with a codon-optimized synthetic plant thioesterase (fatA3) from Arabidopsis thaliana (see Table 4, infra). Plasmid pEP146 was created by replacing fatB1 in pLC81 with a codon-optimized synthetic plant thioesterase (fatA3) from Arabidopsis thaliana (see Table 4, infra). pEP146 also carried a mutation in the plasmid encoded repA protein.

Base strains used for plasmid transformation were GLP077 and BZ128. Briefly, the genome of base strain GLPH077 was manipulated as follows: the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (fadE) gene was deleted and a transcriptional regulator (fadR) and a synthetic fatty acid biosynthesis operon were overexpressed. Briefly, the genome of base strain BZ128 was manipulated as follows: the fadE (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase) gene was deleted and a synthetic fatty acid biosynthesis operon, a β-hydroxy fatty acyl-ACP dehydratase (fabZ) and a variant of a thioesterase (tesA) were overexpressed. In addition, the strain had previously been subjected to transposon as well as N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) mutagenesis and screening.

TABLE 4 Plasmids used for library screening Plasmid Description pAS033 pCL-fatA3_Atal-accDCBAbirA_Cglu-acp_Ecol pEP125 pACYC-cyp153A(G307A)_Maqu-RedRhF_Rhod pNH305 pCL-fatB1_Ucal-accDCBAbirA_Cglu-acp_Ecol pLC81 pCL-cyp153A(G307A)_Maqu-RedRhF_Rhod-fatB1_Ucal- fadB_Ecol-fadR_Ecol pEP146 pCL*-cyp153A(G307A)_Maqu-RedRhF_Rhod-fatA3-Atal- fadB_Ecol-fadR_Ecol

The hybrid cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF fusion protein was tested to see if expression in host cells could produce ω-OH fatty acid derivatives. A microorganism expressing SEQ ID NO: 5 was capable of producing over a 1 g/L of ω-OH fatty acid derivatives from glucose. Thus, this engineered enzyme was selected for further evolution studies.

Example 2: Saturation Libraries of the P450 Catalytic Domain of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF Fusion Protein

A full saturation library of the P450 catalytic domain of cyp153A-Red450RhF fusion protein, was built and screened for variants that showed improvements over cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF (i.e., the template polypeptide). G307A (i.e., an alanine residue replaced a glycine in position 307) is a beneficial mutation that improves ω-hydroxylase activity of cyp153A (see Honda Malca et al. (2012) Chem. Commun. 48:5115). The selection criteria for hits was (1) increased amount of ω-hydroxy fatty acids (ωOH FFA titer); and/or (2) increased conversion of fatty acids to ω-hydroxy fatty acids.

Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare saturation libraries. Plasmids pEP125 and pLC81 (see Table 4, supra) were used to make the full saturation libraries. Three saturation libraries were screened: For the first library pEP125 was transformed together with pNH305 into strain GLPH077, for the second library pLC81 was transformed into BZ128, and for the third library pEP125 was transformed together with pAS.033 into GLPH077Strain. The 1^(st) and 2^(nd) library were screened in particular for improved variants in ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid formation and the 3^(rd) library was screened in particular for improved variants in ω-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid formation. The libraries were screened using one of the standard protocols described above. The improved variants are shown in Tables 5 through 7 below (infra). In particular, variants of position 141 were identified multiple times and were found to be significantly improved enzymes both for ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid and ω-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid formation.

TABLE 5  Summary of improved variants from 1^(st) site saturation library of the catalytic domain of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF. % C12:0 % ω-OH ω-OH Total ω-OH in Amino FFA FAS FFA FIOC C12:0 FIOC Acids Codons 1346.3 2236.6 60.2 1.33 83.1 1.08 V141Q GTG/CAG 1201.1 2149.3 55.9 1.23 84.1 1.10 D134G GAC/GGG 1106.2 2006.9 55.1 1.22 82 1.07 R40H AGG/CAC 1007.9 1839.7 54.8 1.21 86.1 1.12 V1411 GTG/ATC 962.5 1791.2 53.7 1.19 81.1 1.06 K41V AAG/GTG 1228.6 2298.6 53.4 1.18 80.2 1.05 M419V ATG/GTC 1046.8 1958.5 53.4 1.18 80.1 1.05 V154A GTG/GCC 990.7 1865.4 53.1 1.17 84.9 1.11 D134G GAC/GGT 1203.1 2313.1 52 1.15 81.6 1.07 D134G GAC/GGG 908.7 1773.2 51.2 1.13 80.3 1.05 I11C ATT/TGC 1020.1 2057   49.6 1.09 81.4 1.06 R205L CGC/TTG 1256 2688.4 46.7 1.03 72.6 0.95 L304W CTC/TGG 883.2 1960.8 45.3 1.00 76.6 1.00 FIOC: Fold improvement over control; control is bold

TABLE 6 Summary of improved variants from 2^(nd) site saturation library of the catalytic domain of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF Mutation 1 Mutation 2 Total ω-OH FFA Total FAS % ω-OH FFA FIOC % C12:0 ω-OH in C12:0 FAS FIOC V415R 0 928.10 2880.10 32.23 1.85 33.29 1.96 V415R 0 941.13 2980.97 31.58 1.81 32.98 1.94 V154A 0 694.63 2959.63 23.47 1.35 23.06 1.36 V154A 0 716.00 2963.77 24.16 1.39 23.88 1.40 V154A 0 686.93 2926.97 23.47 1.35 23.40 1.38 V141M E142Q 717.80 2873.73 24.98 1.44 28.51 1.68 V141I 0 749.07 2971.23 25.21 1.45 31.96 1.88 V141I 0 778.87 2886.77 26.98 1.55 34.27 2.02 V141I 0 754.67 2918.90 25.85 1.49 32.85 1.93 V141I R258Y 672.13 2909.13 23.10 1.33 29.24 1.72 V141I 0 810.23 2912.67 27.83 1.60 35.86 2.11 S233R 0 720.13 2838.00 25.37 1.46 30.82 1.81 S233R 0 746.20 2912.97 25.61 1.47 31.15 1.83 S233N 0 735.57 2905.40 25.33 1.46 25.77 1.52 S233N 0 698.80 2915.17 23.97 1.38 24.40 1.44 S233N 0 732.47 2949.93 24.83 1.43 25.29 1.49 S233N 0 725.97 3018.60 24.05 1.38 24.76 1.46 R82D E271F 629.03 2914.83 21.58 1.24 20.90 1.23 R6F R178N 792.33 2845.17 27.85 1.60 28.56 1.68 R6F V141I 833.13 2871.87 29.01 1.67 36.28 2.13 R27L 0 742.57 2857.53 25.99 1.49 26.10 1.54 R178N 0 701.17 2983.60 23.50 1.35 24.98 1.47 Q129R 0 675.07 2847.37 23.71 1.36 27.97 1.65 Q129R 0 812.23 3044.30 26.68 1.53 31.29 1.84 Q129R 0 660.53 2967.23 22.26 1.28 26.24 1.54 P149R S157V 684.03 3011.80 22.71 1.31 23.04 1.36 P149R 0 771.40 2959.70 26.06 1.50 26.12 1.54 P149R 0 731.10 2966.13 24.65 1.42 24.75 1.46 P149R 0 757.97 3014.93 25.14 1.45 25.49 1.50 P149R 0 765.90 2963.50 25.84 1.49 26.16 1.54 P149R 0 734.30 2923.70 25.12 1.44 25.50 1.50 P149R 0 745.00 2993.83 24.88 1.43 25.47 1.50 P136T 0 724.53 2980.20 24.31 1.40 24.97 1.47 P136T 0 729.37 3017.67 24.17 1.39 24.90 1.46 P136T 0 678.33 2850.87 23.79 1.37 24.39 1.43 P136C 0 702.27 2947.23 23.83 1.37 25.36 1.49 P136C 0 689.77 3069.63 22.47 1.29 24.01 1.41 N407A 0 731.50 3042.77 24.04 1.38 24.56 1.44 N407A 0 704.47 3015.93 23.36 1.34 23.75 1.40 M228R 0 344.60 2992.27 11.52 0.66 18.33 1.08 L168V 0 793.20 2938.23 27.00 1.55 27.84 1.64 G161P 0 718.33 2938.47 24.45 1.41 24.28 1.43 G161A 0 639.93 2943.40 21.74 1.25 21.65 1.27 G138F N407A 667.93 2825.43 23.64 1.36 26.09 1.53 F116R V415R 678.77 2854.97 23.78 1.37 24.14 1.42 E142R 0 663.67 2925.83 22.68 1.30 22.86 1.34 E142R 0 628.03 2930.57 21.43 1.23 21.62 1.27 E142R 0 639.23 2972.03 21.51 1.24 21.86 1.29 D153G 0 787.87 3018.90 26.13 1.50 26.94 1.58 D153G 0 746.20 3039.10 24.55 1.41 25.31 1.49 0 0 543.65 3117.75 17.44 1.00 17.04 1.00 FIOC: Fold improvement over control; control is bold

TABLE 7  Summary of improved variants from 3^(rd) site saturation library of the catalytic domain of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF % % C16:0 % C16:1 ω-OH Total ω-OH ω-OH in ω-OH in Amino FFA FAS FFA FIOC C16:0 FIOC C16:1 FIOC Acids Codons 1298.5 2342.5 55.43 1.53 64.61 1.33 49.02 2.00 N309R AAC/CGG 1095.9 2374.3 46.16 1.28 58.36 1.20 34.41 1.40 V141G GTG/GGG 1564 3448.1 45.36 1.25 62.78 1.29 32.88 1.34 L132T CTC/ACT 1092.9 2391.4 45.70 1.26 60.82 1.25 32.96 1.34 F144R TTC/AGG 1170.5 2529.6 46.27 1.28 62.41 1.28 31.91 1.30 I131L ATT/TTG 1232.9 2685.8 45.90 1.27 55.17 1.13 37.63 1.53 G308W GGC/TGG 931.1 2570.1 36.2 1.00 48.70 1.00 24.53 1.00 FIOC: Fold improvement over control; control is bold

Example 3: Partial Site Saturation Libraries of the Reductase Domain of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF Fusion Protein

A partial saturation library (every 10^(th) amino acid was mutated) of the reductase domains of hybrid cyp153A-Red450RhF fusion protein, was built and screened for variants that showed improvements over cyp153A(V141I, A231T, G307A)-Red450RhF (SEQ ID NO: 32), a variant identified in the site saturation mutagenesis library of the catalytic P450 cyp153A domain. The selection criteria for hits was (1) increased amount of ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid (ωOH FFA titer); and/or (2) increased conversion of dodecanoic acid to ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid.

Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare saturation libraries. For the library, pLC81 harboring cyp153A(V141I, A231T, G307A)-Red450RhF was transformed into BZ128. The library was screened using one of the standard protocols described above. The improved variants are shown in Table 8. In particular the variants A796V (SEQ ID: 42) and P666A were significantly improved enzymes.

TABLE 8 Summary of improved variants from a partial saturation library of the reductase domain of cyp153A(V141I A231T G307A)-Red450RhF RhF ω-OH % ω-OH C12:0 ω-OH in Mutation FFA FAS FFA FIOC C12:0 FAS FIOC P666K 1012.1 2945.5 34.36 1.09 44.08 1.07 P666A 1575.9 2918.7 53.99 1.71 68.35 1.66 T516E 1150.4 2966.2 38.78 1.23 49.01 1.19 V696K 983.4 2955.4 33.27 1.05 43.02 1.05 0 950.3 3004.6 31.63 1.00 41.13 1.00 A796V 2458.0 3884.7 63.27 1.81 76.58 1.70 0 1363.7 3905.2 34.92 1.00 44.96 1.00 FIOC: Fold improvement over control; control is bold

Example 4: Combinatorial Library of the Reductase Domain of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF Fusion Protein

Beneficial mutations identified in the partial saturation library of the reductase domain (Example 3) were the basis of a combination library to further improve cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF fusion protein. The selection criteria was (1) increased amount of ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid (ωOH FFA titer); and/or (2) increased conversion of dodecanoic acid to ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid.

The combination library was constructed in pLC81 harboring cyp153A(V141I, A231T, G307A)-Red450RhF (SEQ ID: 32) and transformed into BZ128. Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare combination libraries. The library was screened using one of the standard protocols described above. The improved variants are shown in Table 9 below.

TABLE 9 Summary of improved variants from a combination library of the reductase domain of cyp153A(V141I, A231T, G307A)-Red450RhF P450 ω-OH % ω-OH % C12:0 ω-OH in Mutation RhF Mutation FFA FAS FFA FIOC C12:0 FAS FIOC 141I, 231T T516G, P666M, A769V 851 983 86.8 1.29 88.3 1.23 141I, 231T T516G, P666H, A769V 1557 2214 69.2 1.03 73.1 1.02 141I, 231T T516V, P666D, A769V 1491 1999 74.5 1.11 76.9 1.07 141I, 231T P666M, V696T 916.88 1125 81.4 1.21 82.9 1.15 141I, 231T A769V 1528.33 2280 67.1 1.00 71.8 1.00 FIOC: Fold improvement over control; control is bold

Example 5: Combinatorial Library of the Catalytic and Reductase Domain of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF Fusion Protein

Beneficial mutations identified in the saturation libraries (Example 2 and 3) were the basis of a combination library to further improve cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF fusion protein. The selection criteria was (1) increased amount of ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid (ωOH FFA titer); and/or (2) increased conversion of dodecanoic acid to ω-hydroxy dodecanoic acid. The combination library was constructed in pLC81 and transformed into BZ128. Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare combination libraries. The library was screened using one of the standard protocols described above. The best two improved variants are shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Best improved variants from a combinatorial library of cyp153A(G307A)- Red450RhF C12:0 SEQ ω-OH ω-OH ω-OH in Mutations ID FFA* FAS* FFA C12:0 FAS R27I, R82D, V141M, 34 2290.3 3665.1 62.4% 74.1% R178N, N407A R27I, R82D, V141M, 44 3499.5 4154.9 84.5% 93.1% R178N, N407A, A796V *Titer (mg/L) after 48 h

Example 6: Site Saturation Mutagenesis of the Position 141 and 309 of cyp153A(G307A, A796V)-Red450RhF

It was noticed that changes in position 141 influenced substrate specificity. Therefore, a site saturation mutagenesis of these two positions were carried out in cyp153A(G307A, A796V)-Red450RhF. The selection criteria for hits was (1) increased amount of ω-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid; and/or (2) increased conversion of hexadecenoic acid to ω-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid.

For the library, pEP146 harboring cyp153A(G307A A796V)-Red450RhF (SEQ ID: 38) was transformed into BZ128. Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare site saturation libraries. The library was screened using one of the standard protocols described above. The improved variants are shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the variants with V141T (SEQ ID: 46) showed highest ω-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid titer and highest conversion from hexadecenoic acid.

Example 7: Saturation Libraries of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V) Fusion Protein

A full saturation library of cyp153A-Red450RhF fusion protein, was built and screened for variants that showed improvements over cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V) (i.e., the template polypeptide). G307A (i.e., an alanine residue replaced a glycine in position 307) and A796V (i.e., a valine residue replaced an alanine in position 796) are beneficial mutations that improve ω-hydroxylase activity of cyp153A (see above). The selection criteria for hits was (1) an increased amount of ω-hydroxy fatty acids (ω-OH FFA titer); and/or (2) increased conversion of fatty acids to ω-hydroxy fatty acids.

Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art were used to prepare the saturation library. Plasmid pEP302 was used to make the full saturation library, which was a derivative of pEP146 (see table 4), in which the order of the genes was altered (fatA3-fadB-fadR-cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A796V)) and the last gene was expressed from a separate promoter. The library was transformed into strain stNH1525. Briefly, the genome of base strain stNH1525 was manipulated as follows: the fadE (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase) gene was deleted and a synthetic fatty acid biosynthesis operon was overexpressed. In addition, the strain had previously been subjected to transposon as well as N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) mutagenesis and screening.

The libraries were screened using one of the standard protocols described above. The improved variants are shown in Table 11 below, in particular, variants that significantly improved ω-hydroxy hexadecanoic acid and ω-hydroxy hexadecenoic acid formation.

TABLE 11  Summary of improved variants from the site saturation library of cyp153A(G307A)-Red450RhF(A976V) % C16:0 % C16:1 w-OH Total % w-OH w-OH in w-OH in Amino FFA FAS FFA FOIC C16:1 FOIC C16:0 FOIC acids Codons 1201.0 1751.4 68.6 1.8 59.7 2.1 80.1 1.4 D747N AAC 1007.7 1733.3 58.1 1.6 50.6 1.9 79.0 1.4 Q12W TGG 793.2 1366.8 58.0 1.6 54.4 2.0 77.1 1.3 P327D GAT 955.6 1714.9 55.7 1.5 50.6 1.7 74.9 1.3 R14F TTC 678.7 1235.6 54.9 1.4 52.6 1.8 73.1 1.3 N61L TTG 855.8 1629.3 52.5 1.4 44.6 1.6 72.9 1.3 R27L TTG 911.6 1763.5 51.7 1.4 44.7 1.6 72.3 1.2 Q28M ATG 858.1 1678.7 51.1 1.3 46.8 1.6 69.9 1.2 S13K AAG 1247.9 2458.5 50.8 1.3 44.3 1.6 67.8 1.2 V771F TTC 850.2 1686.3 50.4 1.3 42.1 1.5 71.6 1.2 Q12T ACG 810.3 1615.4 50.2 1.3 46.8 1.6 65.0 1.1 K119R CGG 821.1 1639.9 50.1 1.3 43.7 1.6 70.1 1.2 D10Y TAC 807.4 1676.8 48.2 1.3 40.8 1.4 68.7 1.2 Q12R AGG 722.5 1519.4 47.6 1.3 39.3 1.4 68.9 1.2 I11L TTG 748.9 1576.6 47.5 1.2 42.4 1.5 66.3 1.1 Q28T ACG 733.8 1546.2 47.5 1.3 38.7 1.4 68.9 1.2 A231Y TAC 1198.9 2528.5 47.4 1.2 39.9 1.4 67.5 1.2 P745R CGC/CGG 769.8 1647.1 46.7 1.2 38.1 1.4 68.0 1.2 D9N AAT 1133.4 2469.6 45.9 1.2 38.1 1.4 65.6 1.1 T770G GGT 763.7 1672.4 45.7 1.2 39.0 1.4 63.2 1.1 Y413R AGG 1146.2 2514.4 45.6 1.2 37.0 1.3 66.0 1.1 M7841 ATC 729.8 1610.4 45.3 1.2 36.5 1.3 65.8 1.1 D9K AAG 1078.0 2390.8 45.1 1.2 35.7 1.3 66.7 1.1 E749L TTG 752.9 1682.8 44.7 1.2 38.1 1.3 63.7 1.1 S233L TTG 940.3 2111.2 44.5 1.2 35.9 1.3 65.4 1.1 E757A GCG 1063.1 2405.5 44.2 1.2 35.5 1.3 65.0 1.1 L703G GGG 632.5 1434.9 44.1 1.2 37.5 1.3 61.5 1.1 N309S TCT 755.7 1715.3 44.1 1.2 35.0 1.3 64.5 1.1 S140N AAC 1070.7 2441.3 43.9 1.2 37.6 1.3 60.9 1.0 L706E GAG 757.3 1753.4 43.2 1.2 33.7 1.2 65.2 1.1 1480G GGT 880.6 2044.0 43.1 1.2 33.6 1.2 65.3 1.1 G4811 ATT 989.8 2301.4 43.0 1.1 35.0 1.2 62.5 1.1 R719W TGG 1062.9 2478.7 42.9 1.1 35.7 1.3 61.1 1.0 L7065 TCG 906.2 2116.3 42.8 1.1 34.8 1.3 62.5 1.1 E557W TGG 734.0 1717.3 42.7 1.1 34.1 1.3 60.6 1.0 5157R CGG 651.4 1527.0 42.7 1.1 35.9 1.2 61.1 1.1 S233V GTC 710.4 1667.8 42.6 1.1 35.6 1.2 60.6 1.0 A231V GTA 663.4 1558.7 42.6 1.1 33.4 1.1 62.1 1.1 A164N AAC 664.3 1564.2 42.5 1.1 32.3 1.2 64.7 1.1 A244R CGG 711.2 1675.3 42.5 1.1 38.3 1.3 56.0 1.0 T302M ATG 1010.3 2381.5 42.4 1.1 34.1 1.2 62.4 1.1 P708S TCG 1015.6 2394.2 42.4 1.1 32.3 1.1 64.9 1.1 N741G GGG 690.6 1630.5 42.4 1.1 33.3 1.2 63.0 1.1 P149G GGG 656.9 1552.9 42.3 1.1 34.8 1.3 60.9 1.0 V154G GGC 905.2 2139.9 42.3 1.1 33.1 1.2 63.6 1.1 E557R CGG/AGG 946.6 2247.5 42.1 1.1 32.9 1.2 63.4 1.1 V710Q CAG 1159.1 2753.7 42.1 1.1 32.6 1.2 65.7 1.1 E5675 TCC 640.8 1522.8 42.1 1.1 34.4 1.3 59.7 1.0 P149R AGG 665.7 1587.4 41.9 1.1 33.0 1.2 61.8 1.1 N407G GGG 1026.9 2465.0 41.7 1.1 31.7 1.1 63.9 1.1 D544N AAC 941.4 2265.1 41.6 1.1 32.5 1.2 62.6 1.1 D709L CTG 721.3 1747.4 41.3 1.1 35.1 1.2 58.3 1.0 G204V GTT 985.6 2393.7 41.2 1.1 31.7 1.1 62.7 1.1 V710C TGT 696.6 1694.0 41.1 1.1 32.3 1.2 61.5 1.1 R254G GGG 664.3 1616.1 41.1 1.1 32.8 1.1 61.1 1.1 P273M ATG 739.2 1801.0 41.0 1.1 33.8 1.2 59.9 1.0 F111A GCG 1042.8 2540.9 41.0 1.1 31.6 1.1 62.5 1.1 E749M ATG 681.8 1661.6 41.0 1.1 30.0 1.1 64.3 1.1 A231W TGG 1017.8 2487.3 40.9 1.1 31.1 1.1 63.2 1.1 P546G GGG 719.6 1760.1 40.9 1.1 32.2 1.2 60.4 1.0 V162C TGC 950.8 2327.9 40.8 1.1 31.8 1.1 61.8 1.1 A736V GTC 945.2 2314.2 40.8 1.1 34.2 1.2 58.5 1.0 L706H CAC 914.2 2241.1 40.8 1.1 31.4 1.1 62.3 1.1 V71OR AGG 1055.3 2587.4 40.8 1.1 32.0 1.1 61.2 1.0 D707E GAG 883.4 2168.3 40.7 1.1 32.5 1.2 60.7 1.0 D527E GAG 921.4 2266.5 40.7 1.1 32.9 1.2 60.3 1.0 P745K AAG 728.9 1804.5 40.4 1.1 32.2 1.1 60.3 1.0 E271D GAC 1031.5 2558.2 40.3 1.1 30.2 1.1 62.2 1.1 E557R AGG 974.6 2429.2 40.1 1.1 30.6 1.1 61.8 1.1 D720V GTG 647.6 1616.5 40.1 1.1 30.2 1.1 61.2 1.1 P56Q CAG 934.9 2358.1 39.6 1.1 30.6 1.1 61.5 1.1 V648L TTG 938.8 2376.0 39.5 1.1 32.0 1.1 58.6 1.0 S6491 ATC 672.1 1709.2 39.3 1.1 30.5 1.1 59.7 1.0 P477G GGG 878.5 2245.0 39.1 1.1 30.2 1.1 60.1 1.1 E591Q CAG 598.2 1582.9 37.8 1 28.4 1.0 57.8 1.0 FOIC: Fold improvement over internal control; control is bold

As is apparent to one with skill in the art, various modifications and variations of the above aspects and embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Such modifications and variations are within the scope of this disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant comprising at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 38 and having at least one mutation at an amino acid position corresponding to amino acid position 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 28, 61, 119, 327, 413, 703, 745, 747, 749, 757, 770, 771 and
 784. 2. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant of claim 1, wherein the CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant is a hybrid cyp153ARedRhF fusion protein variant.
 3. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant of claim 1, wherein said mutation is selected from the group consisting of D9N, D9K, D10Y, Q12W, Q12R, Q12T, S13K, R14F, Q28M, Q28T, N61L, K119R, P327D, Y413R, L703G, P745R, D747N, E749L, E757A, T770G, V771F, and M784I.
 4. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant of claim 3, wherein expression of said CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant in a recombinant host cell results in a higher titer of an omega-hydroxylated fatty acid as compared to a titer of an omega-hydroxylated fatty acid produced by expression of a CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 38. 5. The CYP153A-reductase hybrid fusion polypeptide variant of claim 3, comprising any one of SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 94, and SEQ ID NO:
 96. 